Top 5 Leagues In Africa

African football has come a long way since its humble beginnings and today, there are some of the most exciting and competitive leagues on the continent. From South Africa’s Premier Soccer League to Egypt’s Egyptian Premier League, these five major competitions provide fans with plenty of entertainment throughout the season. So let's take a look at what each league offers and why they are considered to be among the best in Africa. 

Here are the top 5 football leagues in Africa 

The Egyptian Premier League

The Egyptian Premier League is one of Africa’s most competitive and exciting football leagues. Founded in 1948, it currently consists of 18 teams from across Egypt who compete for both domestic honors as well as continental glory through their participation in CAF Champions League or Confederation Cup tournaments. The league also boasts some of the biggest names in African football such as Al Ahly SC, Zamalek SC and Ismaily SC – making it a must-watch for fans around the world. 


Each season usually runs from August to May with each team playing 34 fixtures throughout that time period. Matches are typically played on Fridays and Saturdays but can sometimes be moved due to weather conditions or other circumstances like international matches taking place at the same time. The top four teams qualify for continental competitions while those finishing 5th-8th enter into a playoff system to determine which two sides will join them in these prestigious tournaments. 


The current champions are Al Ahly SC who have won 39 titles since its inception – more than any other club in Egypt’s history – while Zamalek SC come second with 12 titles under their belt so far. Other notable clubs include Ismaily SC (7 titles), El Masry Club (3) and ENPPI Club (2). All five clubs have featured prominently over recent years and continue to be some of the strongest contenders within this competition year after year.

SouthAfrica Premiership

The South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) is the top professional football division in South Africa. Founded in 1996, it currently comprises 16 teams from across the country who compete for both domestic and continental honors throughout a season which runs from August to May each year. The PSL has become one of the most competitive leagues on the continent, with clubs such as Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates all vying for glory every season

The league operates under a system of promotion and relegation with three teams being relegated at the end of each campaign and replaced by three promoted sides from National First Division – making it a highly competitive environment where only those willing to fight hard can survive. Mamelodi Sundowns have won eight titles since its inception while Kaizer Chiefs come second with five titles under their belt so far. Other notable clubs include SuperSport United (4), Orlando Pirates (3) and Bidvest Wits FC (2).

Each team plays 30 matches over a regular season before entering into playoffs that determine which two sides will join them in CAF Champions League or Confederation Cup tournaments respectively – ensuring that there’s plenty of drama right up until the very last game day. 

Morocco Botola League

The Morocco Batola Pro is a professional football league in Morocco and one of the top divisions in African football. The league was founded in 1976 and consists of 16 teams that compete for both domestic and continental honors throughout a season which runs from August to May each year. 

Morocco's most successful club, Raja Casablanca, have won 8 titles since its inception while Wydad Casablanca come second with four titles under their belt so far. Other notable clubs include FAR Rabat (3), Maghreb Fez (2) and Hassania Agadir (1). Each team plays 30 matches over a regular season before entering into playoffs that determine which two sides will join them in CAF Champions League or Confederation Cup tournaments respectively – ensuring there’s plenty of drama right up until the very last game day. 

In recent years, Moroccan teams have had great success on the continent as they continue to challenge traditional powerhouses like Egypt and Nigeria for supremacy. This has seen many talented players emerge from this competition who are now plying their trade across Europe at some of the biggest clubs around – making it clear why this division should not be overlooked by African football fans everywhere.

Algeria Professionelle Ligue 1

Algeria Ligue 1
Algeria Ligue 1

Algeria Ligue 1 

Algeria Ligue 1 is the top tier football league competition in Algeria. It is organized by the Algerian Football Federation and was established in 1962. Currently, the competition features 16 teams and operates on a regular season format. The league winner earns a place in the CAF Champions League, while the runners-up and third-placed team qualify for the CAF Confederations Cup.


The Algerian Ligue 1 has grown in reputation and quality over the years, with many talented players and quality teams consistently competing for the championship. The 2020-2021 season was particularly interesting as it featured very close and competitive matches, with the top three teams finishing within three points of each other.


CR Belouizdad emerged as the champions after a wonderful run that saw them maintain their top position for most of the season. It was their eighth league title and their first in 21 years. Their success was built on a solid team of players that showed great resilience and determination throughout the campaign. The runner-up was entitled to compete in the CAF Champions League, while the third-placed team joined the CAF Confederations Cup.


Another notable team in the competition is JS Kabylie, which has a long history of success in the Algeria Ligue 1. The team has won the league title on 14 occasions, more than any other team in the competition. Mouloudia Club d'Alger and ES Sétif are also popular teams that have enjoyed success in the competition, with both teams winning the league title seven times.


The league has produced several talented players who have gone on to have successful careers in Europe, including Riyad Mahrez, who played for USM Alger before moving to Leicester City in the English Premier League. Sofiane Feghouli, who played for Valencia in Spain, also started his career in the Algerian Ligue 1, featuring for Grenoble Foot 38.


Moreover, the competition has played a vital role in the development of Algerian football, nurturing the talents of young players and promoting the game across the country. It has also been instrumental in raising the profile of Algerian football on the continental stage, with Algerian clubs impressing in CAF competitions.


Nigeria Professional Football League

The Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) is the top professional football league in Nigeria. The competition was established in 1990 and consists of 20 teams competing for both domestic and continental honors throughout a season which runs from January to October each year. 


The most successful team in the history of this division are Enyimba who have won it 8 times while Kano Pillars come second on 6 titles. Other notable clubs include Rangers International (5), Lobi Stars (4) and Plateau United (2). Each team plays 34 matches over a regular season before entering into playoffs that determine which three sides will join them in CAF Champions League or Confederation Cup tournaments respectively – ensuring there’s plenty of drama right up until the very last game day. 


In recent years, NPFL teams have had great success on the continent as they continue to challenge traditional powerhouses like Egypt, South Africa and Algeria for supremacy. This has seen many talented players emerge from this competition who are now plying their trade across Europe at some of the biggest clubs around – making it clear why this division should not be overlooked by African football fans everywhere.

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