African club football, also known as association football, is the most popular sport on the continent and has a rich history dating back over a century.
Clubs from all over Africa compete in various national and international competitions, including the African Champions League, the African Confederation Cup, and the African Super Cup.
The African Champions League is the premier club competition on the continent, featuring the top teams from each of the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) 54 member associations. The competition is held annually and culminates with a final match between the two top teams. The current champions are Al Ahly SC of Egypt, who have won the tournament a record nine times. Other successful clubs in the African Champions League include TP Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Enyimba of Nigeria, who have won the tournament five times each.
The African Confederation Cup is the second-tier club competition on the continent, featuring teams that have either been knocked out of the African Champions League or have not qualified for the competition. The competition is also held annually and culminates with a final match between the two top teams. The current champions are Pyramids FC of Egypt, who won the tournament for the first time in 2021.
The African Super Cup is a one-off match held annually between the winners of the African Champions League and the African Confederation Cup. The match is held at a neutral venue and serves as a curtain raiser for the new football season in Africa. The current champions are Al Ahly SC, who won the match in 2021.
African club football has a passionate and dedicated fan base, with supporters of various clubs often coming together to create vibrant and colorful matchday experiences. The atmosphere at African club football matches is electric, with fans singing, chanting, and dancing throughout the match.
In addition to the national and international competitions, many African clubs also compete in regional tournaments, such as the CAF Cup and the CAF Cup Winners’ Cup. These tournaments provide additional opportunities for clubs to test themselves against their regional rivals and to compete for silverware.
Overall, African club football is an integral part of the continent’s cultural and sporting landscape and continues to grow in popularity and importance. The talent, passion, and excitement of African club football make it a truly unique and unforgettable experience for players and fans alike.
Here are the list for the top clubs in Africa based on their history on the continent alongside their domestic competitions.
1. Al Ahly SC: Based in Cairo, Egypt, Al Ahly SC is one of the most successful and popular clubs on the African continent. The club has won a record 43 Egyptian Premier League titles and 10 CAF Champions League titles, making it the most successful team in both competitions. Al Ahly SC is known for its passionate fan base and has a long-standing rivalry with Cairo-based rival Zamalek SC.
2. TP Mazembe: Located in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, TP Mazembe is one of the most successful clubs in Africa. The club has won the CAF Champions League a record five times and has also won numerous domestic titles. TP Mazembe is known for its strong defense and has a reputation for being one of the toughest teams to beat in Africa.
3. Orlando Pirates: Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, Orlando Pirates is one of the most popular clubs in the country and has a large following throughout the continent. The club has won nine South African Premier Division titles and three CAF Champions League titles. Orlando Pirates is known for its attacking style of play and has a fierce rivalry with fellow South African club Kaizer Chiefs.
4. Esperance Sportive de Tunis: Based in Tunis, Tunisia, Esperance Sportive de Tunis is one of the most successful clubs in Africa. The club has won a record 21 Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 titles and has also won the CAF Champions League four times. Esperance Sportive de Tunis is known for its strong defense and has a large and passionate fan base.
5. AS Vita Club: Located in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, AS Vita Club is one of the most successful clubs in Africa. The club has won the CAF Champions League twice and has also won numerous domestic titles. AS Vita Club is known for its attacking style of play and has a strong following in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
6. Kaizer Chiefs: Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, Kaizer Chiefs is one of the most popular clubs in the country and has a large following throughout the continent. The club has won four South African Premier Division titles and two CAF Champions League titles. Kaizer Chiefs is known for its attacking style of play and has a fierce rivalry with fellow South African club Orlando Pirates.
7. Zamalek SC: Based in Cairo, Egypt, Zamalek SC is one of the most successful and popular clubs in Africa. The club has won a record 26 Egyptian Premier League titles and five CAF Champions League titles. Zamalek SC is known for its passionate fan base and has a long-standing rivalry with Cairo-based rival Al Ahly SC.
8. ASEC Mimosas: Based in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, ASEC Mimosas is one of the most successful clubs in Africa. The club has won a record 14 Ivorian Ligue 1 titles and has also won the CAF Champions League twice. ASEC Mimosas is known for its attacking style of play and has a large and passionate fan base.
9. Enyimba International FC: Located in Aba, Nigeria, Enyimba International FC is one of the most successful clubs in Africa. The club has won the CAF Champions League twice and has also won numerous domestic titles. Enyimba International FC is known for its strong defense and has a reputation for being one of the toughest teams to beat in Africa.
10. Mamelodi Sundowns: Based in Pretoria, South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns is one of the most successful and popular clubs in the country. The club has won eight South African Premier league.
Other clubs are also coming up through the ranks, with the likes of of Simba SC, Rivers United amongst others.
