Who are the main powerhouses in the African club football?
African football has seen its fair share of talent and competition over the years, with numerous clubs vying for supremacy. The continent’s club football has remained a fertile ground for remarkable talent as well as a number of fierce rivalries.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the best football clubs around Africa.
5- Pyramids
Pyramids may not have the historical legacy of some other clubs, but they’ve made significant strides in recent years. Originally known as Al Assiouty Sport, the club underwent a transformation in 2018 when it was acquired by Turki Al-Sheikh, a prominent figure in the world of football. The club was renamed Pyramids and relocated to Cairo. Their performance in the Egyptian Premier League has been impressive, finishing as runners-up in the past two seasons. Additionally, they reached the finals of the 2019-20 Confederation Cup, demonstrating their growing influence in African football.
4- Raja Casablanca
Raja Casablanca, one of Morocco’s football powerhouses, has a rich history of success. They are one of the few clubs in Africa to have won both the CAF Champions League and the Confederation Cup multiple times. While their last Champions League victory was in 1999, they clinched the Confederation Cup title in 2018 and 2021. In addition to their continental achievements, Raja Casablanca has dominated the Moroccan top division, winning the league title 12 times, with their most recent victory in 2020.
3- Wydad Casablanca
Another Moroccan club, Wydad Casablanca, takes the third spot on our list. Wydad is the most successful club in Morocco, boasting three CAF Champions League titles, with their most recent victory occurring in 2022. They have also claimed an astounding 22 domestic league championships, far more than any other team in the country. While they reached the 2023 CAF Champions League final, they were narrowly defeated by Al Ahly in a tightly contested match that ended 3-2 on aggregate.
2- Mamelodi Sundowns
In South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns reign supreme. They have secured 13 South African Premiership titles since the league’s inception in 1996, a feat unmatched by their closest competitors. Their recent dominance is remarkable, having won eight of the past 10 league championships. However, when it comes to continental competition, they haven’t been able to replicate their domestic success. Although they consistently reach the latter stages of the CAF Champions League, they last won the competition in 2016, and they continue to strive for continental domination.
1- Al Ahly
Al Ahly stands as the most successful and well-known football club in Africa. Their dominance in Egyptian football is unparalleled, having won the league title a staggering 43 times, leaving their bitter rivals, Zamalek, far behind. What truly sets Al Ahly apart is their remarkable record in continental competitions. In 2023, they secured their 11th CAF Champions League title, a record unmatched by any other club. In fact, no club has won the title more than five times, except for Al Ahly and TP Mazembe. Their prowess in this competition is highlighted by their nine Champions League victories since the year 2000, a period in which they have also finished as runners-up four times.
While African football continues to evolve and witness new contenders, Al Ahly remains the ultimate benchmark of excellence. They have consistently demonstrated their prowess in both domestic and continental competitions, earning the top spot among the top African football clubs in 2023.