The biggest derbies in African football: full list

Published on September 29, 2026

In Africa, derbies are much more than football matches. They divide cities, draw huge crowds and bring entire countries to a standstill. Giant tifos, chants, rivalries that span generations: here are the biggest derbies in African football, region by region.

Southern Africa

Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates (South Africa): the Soweto Derby The Soweto Derby is one of the most watched matches on the continent. Both clubs were born in Johannesburg's famous township, and together they count millions of fans across Southern Africa.

Dynamos vs Highlanders (Zimbabwe) The Harare club against the Bulawayo club: the biggest rivalry in Zimbabwean football.

East Africa

Simba vs Young Africans (Tanzania): the Kariakoo Derby The two Dar es Salaam giants, known as Simba and Yanga, share one of the most passionate rivalries in East Africa. A derby worth following closely as Tanzania prepares to co-host AFCON 2027.

Gor Mahia vs AFC Leopards (Kenya): the Mashemeji Derby Kenya's biggest fixture brings together the two most popular clubs in Nairobi.

West Africa

Hearts of Oak vs Asante Kotoko (Ghana): the Super Clash The Accra club against the Kumasi club: Ghanaian football's most anticipated fixture, a rivalry between the country's two biggest cities.

Enyimba vs Enugu Rangers (Nigeria): the Oriental Derby A classic of south-eastern Nigeria, between two of the most successful clubs in Nigerian football.

ASEC Mimosas vs Africa Sports (Ivory Coast): the Abidjan Derby Ivory Coast's biggest fixture features the country's two most popular clubs. ASEC Mimosas are also known for their famous academy, which has produced many stars.

North Africa

Al Ahly vs Zamalek (Egypt): the Cairo Derby This is probably the most famous derby in Africa. It brings together the two most successful clubs on the continent, both based in Cairo. Al Ahly are also the most successful club in the history of the CAF Champions League. Every meeting brings the Egyptian capital to a standstill and captivates the entire Arab world.

Raja vs Wydad (Morocco): the Casablanca Derby Famous worldwide for its spectacular tifos and the electric atmosphere of the Stade Mohammed V, the Casablanca Derby is one of the most impressive on the planet. Raja's green against Wydad's red: the whole city is split in two.

Espérance vs Club Africain (Tunisia): the Tunis Derby The two big clubs of the Tunisian capital share an intense rivalry, driven by some of the most passionate fans on the continent.

MC Alger vs USM Alger (Algeria): the Algiers Derby One of the most anticipated matches in Algerian football, in a city where the game is a true passion.

Al Hilal vs Al Merrikh (Sudan): the Khartoum Derby The two giants of Sudanese football share a historic rivalry that captivates the whole country.

Central Africa

Canon vs Tonnerre (Cameroon): the Yaoundé Derby The two historic clubs of Cameroon's capital, which have produced many Indomitable Lions legends, share a legendary rivalry.

AS Vita Club vs DC Motema Pembe (DR Congo): the Kinshasa Derby A clash between the two giants of the Congolese capital, a city known for its huge passion for football.

Why African derbies are so special

African derbies often reflect the history, geography and identity of their cities and countries. They pit neighbourhoods, regions or communities against each other, and are passed down from generation to generation. For many fans, winning the derby matters almost as much as winning the league.

What's the biggest derby where you live?

We could not include every derby on the continent. What is the biggest fixture in your country or city? Tell us in the comments and we will add it to this list 👇

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