Ranking Tanzania’s Kariakoo Derby with top five African derbies

With the hotly-contested Tanzanian club rivalry set for May 8 fast approaching, Goal looks at the derbies that pit great sides and equally enjoy huge fanbases around the continent.

The encounter pits Tanzania’s oldest and traditional opponents – Yanga SC and their cross-town rivals Simba SC - against each other.

The two clubs are also the most successful outfits in the East African country in the Premier League thus making the derby a hotly contested showdown.

On May 8, Simba will host Yanga for the final league duel as they are the favourites to win the title and as usual, the fans have started engaging in online banter long ago to spice up the derby.

This is a derby that has been served for the Kenyan audience supporting AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia since the late 1960s.

Ingwe and K’Ogalo have dominated the Kenyan Premier League scene for a long time and thus making the contest the highlight of every season.

Although Ingwe have lately been outsmarted by K’Ogalo, the rivalry, the vibes and the banter that characterise big derbies are palpable in the Mashemeji Derby

The previous encounter saw both sides share points in a 0-0 Premier League draw while the last one will be contested later on with the return of sports activities.

It is a contest that draws Egyptian giants Zamalek vs Al Ahly each year. The Red Devils have been dominant in the derby given that they have picked up 59 wins in the 240 recorded matches.

The Cairo Derby has grown into one of the most-watched game in the Arabic world – in Africa and in the Middle East - since it enjoys live broadcast in those regions. Hossam Ashour – currently with Al Ittihad and initially with the Red Devils - is the player that has made the most appearances in the derby while Hossam Ashour – who played for Al Ahly until 1953 - is the top scorer with 19 goals.

The first biggest victory was recorded in 1925 when Al Ahly thrashed Zamalek 6-0 before the latter won by a similar margin in 1942. Two years later, Zamalek registered another 6-0 win over the Cairo rivals.

A showdown between Raja Casablanca and Wydad Casablanca and one that has been dominated by quite interesting events since it was first played in 1956.

One particular incident occurred in 1978 when Raja Casablanca players left the pitch – as ordered by captain Mohamed Fakhir - inside 10 minutes of the second half as they protested a penalty given to their rivals and alleged mistreatment by the referee.

The derby has been played on 145 occasions as Raja Casablanca have picked up the most wins – 45 – while their former player Said Ghandi is the top scorer with seven goals.

A contest that pits two Premier Soccer League sides located within the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

The first derby was held in January 1970 while the latest meeting was held in March and was won by Chiefs at FNB Stadium. Patrick Ntsoelengoe – the derby’s top scorer with 19 goals - Nelson Dladla, Abednigo Shaka Ngcobo, and Marks Maponyane each with 11 goals - are the players who recorded double-digit scores in the derby.

The biggest victory in the derby was first recorded in 1975 when Pirates won the contest by a margin of 4-1 before Chiefs – who host Pirates at the FNB Stadium - won 4-0 in 1996.