SOME OF AFRICA'S BIGGEST DERBIES
CAIRO DERBY
Zamalek vs Al Ahly is the biggest derby in African football. This fixture has led to violence many times before that games had to be played without fans. Last season, Al Ahly won their 43rd league title and 11th CAF Champions League crown. Zamalek has won 14 league titles and five CAF Champions Leagues. Their last continental title came in 2002.
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SOWETO DERBY
This derby narrowly edges the Casablanca Derby. It pits Soweto giants Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs. Amakhosi are arguably the biggest club in South Africa due to their fan base and history. Pirates have been around much longer than the Glamour Boys. These two sides have been overshadowed by Mamelodi Sundowns, who have won the last six PSL titles. Chiefs last won a trophy in 2015, while Pirates last won a league title in 2012. The Buccaneers lifted the 2023 Nedbank Cup and the 1995 CAF Champions League. Overall, Chiefs are the most decorated club in South Africa
DAR ES SALAAM DERBY
Widely known as the Kariakoo Derby, these two Tanzanian sides are the biggest clubs in East Africa. It is contested between Young Africans (Yanga) and Simba. There's little to separate these two giants. Title wins and head-to-head are very close. Last season, Yanga clinched their 29th league title, while Simba are currently on 23 league titles, per FIFA. Despite their regional dominance, they are yet to taste success on the continental level.
CASABLANCA DERBY
When Raja Casablanca and Wydad Casablanca face off, the city comes to a standstill. It dates back to the 1950s, and the atmosphere during this game is frightening. Wydad (22) have won more league titles than Raja (12), but they have each won three CAF Champions League titles. However, Raja last won a continental crown in 1999, while Wydad won it in 2022.
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TUNIS DERBY
This derby is contested by Club Africain and Esperance de Tunis. Mind you, this is not the biggest derby in North Africa. Esperance are the most successful club in Tunisia, and their game against their bitter rivals is considered a clash of socio-economic classes, with Esperance regarded as a club for the lower class.
OMDURMAN DERBY
This is a derby between Sudan’s biggest clubs, Al Merrick and Al Hilal. The first match of the derby was played in 1934. Al Merrick took home the bragging rights. Since then, the two have played over 150 games, with Al Merrick having the larger share of wins between the two.
MASHEMEJI DERBY
The Mashemeji Derby is one of the biggest derbies in Africa. It is played between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia, Kenya’s biggest football clubs. The first game between the two teams took place in 1968. Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards are community clubs. The former is highly affiliated with the Luo tribe and the latter the Luhya. Both Luo and Luhya tribes come from the Western part of Kenya hence why this derby is not just about football. As passionate and crazy as the derby is, it’s been coupled with outrageous behaviour Gor and AFC have been summoned by authorities and fined for stadium damages.
KAMPALA DERBY
SC Villa vs. Express FC is the biggest match in the Uganda National Football League. It’s not as old as the Mashemeji Derby, but it still captures the nation’s attention. The teams have only met over 20 times, with Villa winning the majority of the games (13) to Express (9).
RWANDA DERBY
Rayon Sports and APR FC is more than just a game in Rwanda. It's a fierce rivalry that extends beyond football and captivates the entire local sports world. Since 1995, the two Rwandan heavyweights have had a long-standing history filled with compelling rivalry storylines that unfold each year. From fans chanting their club song to the stadium to cheering them on throughout the game, you will always know something is bubbling in Rwanda.
KITWE DERBY
The year 1979 gave birth to what is now known as the Kitwe derby. Nkana, unfazed by the rise of Power Dynamos, commanded a team with high profile players that would go on to win the premiership 9 times in 11 years(1982-1993) . Dynamos on the other hand, dominated Cup football, reaching two continental finals most and notably, winning the African Cup Winners’ Cup. They still hold the record as the only Zambian team to have won the continental title. The clubs dominated Zambian football through 80’s and 90’s, More often than not, its was Nkana or Power at the top of Zambian Football. IT REMAINS THE BIGGEST DERBY IN THE COUNTRY
SHEGER DERBY
The Sheger Derby takes place between Ethiopia Coffee and Saint George. The rivalry brewed after the former halted the latter’s winning streak. Dating back to the 1950s, the Sheger Derby boasts an unparalleled rivalry that has shaped Ethiopian football. Both teams have clinched numerous titles, showcasing their prowess in the Ethiopian Premier League. The Sheger derby is not just the biggest fixture in Ethiopia but also one of the biggest in East Africa and indeed all of Africa.
Add the the biggest derby in your country in the comment section below and let us know about it.