When it comes to continental football in Africa, the team’s from the northern part tends to dominate compared to teams from other regions.

In 2021, The Moroccan Botola Pro was regarded as the strongest league in Africa following the CAF five year Ranking system, which is calculated according to the performance of clubs from various federations.

Africa, unlike other continents, utilises a different ranking system when it comes to seeding teams for the various continental competition such as the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederations Cup.

Here are the best leagues in Africa in 2022

1. Morocco – Botola Pro

The Moroccan Botola Pro is the best football league in Africa. The North African country has consistently produced clubs that have won the continental titles.

The Moroccan league could be compared to some of the top tier leagues, most especially in Eastern Europe. The league has notable names like Raja Casablanca, Hassania Agadir, Wydad Athletic Club, Olympique Khouribga, Moghreb Tétouan and FUS Rabat.

• Ranking: 190 points
• Number of entrants: 2
• Win by Nation: 6

2. Egypt – Egyptian Premier League

Egypt is one greatest nation on the African continent in the club and national team football. Egyptian football clubs have won a total of 26 titles.

The most successful club in the country’s history is Al Ahly. Other top clubs are Zamalek, Ismaily, Al Masry, Smouha, etc.

• Ranking: 167 points
• Number of entrants: 2
• Win by Nation: 15

3. Ligue Professionnelle 1 – Tunisia

The Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 is the top tier league in the Tunisian football league system contested by 14 teams.

Tunisian teams in total have won over 6 CAF Champions League titles behind Egypt with 16 titles. Established in 1907, the league is one of the best on the African continent. 

Some of the biggest football clubs in Tunisia are Club Africain, CS Sfaxien, Espérance de Tunis and Étoile du Sahel. Tunisia teams have won two titles in the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederations Cup.

• Ranking: 140 points
• Number of entrants: 2
• Win by Nation: 6

4.  Linafoot (Vodacom Ligue 1) – DR Congo

DR Congo is one of the best when it comes to continental football. The league has constantly produced representatives who have won the top price at the continent level.

Most notably, TP Mazembe is the best club from DR Congo with the best record not just on the continent but also on the world stage. Other top clubs in DR Congo are AS Vita Club, DC Motema Pembe, FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo, SM Sanga Blende.

• Ranking: 83 points
• Number of entrants: 2
• Win by Nation: 6

5.  Algeria Ligue 1 – Algeria

Algeria is another top destination for football. The north African country also boasts of having one of the most organised football leagues on the continent.

The Algerian Ligue 1 are CR Belouizdad, MC Alger, ES Sétif, JS Kabylie, CS Constantine, USM Alger, JS Saoura, ASO Chlef. The league is contested by 16 teams and is officially known as Ligue Professionnelle 1.

• Ranking: 81 points
• Number of entrants: 2
• Win by Nation: 5

6. Premier Soccer League – South Africa

The South Africa Premier Soccer League is regarded as the most supported and the richest domestic football league on the continent after the CAF Competitions.

South African teams like Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs have been consistent on the continent. Sundowns won the CAF Champions League in 2019 under Pitso Monimane.

Some of the biggest football clubs in South Africa are Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, SuperSport United, Orlando Pirates, etc

• Ranking: 68.5 points
• Number of entrants: 2
• Win by Nation: 2

7. Super League – Zambia

The Zambian league is also one of the most competitive domestic leagues on the continent.  The top teams in the country are Nkana FC, ZESCO United FC, Lusaka Dynamos FC, Zanaco F.C.

• Ranking: 43 points
• Number of entrants: 2
• Win by Nation: 0

8. NPFL – Nigeria

The Nigeria Professional Football League is the top tier of the Nigerian league system. Nigeria has also had their fair share of the continental showpiece in the past. Enyimba FC won the CAF Champions League back to back in 2003 and 2004.

Some of the biggest names in Nigeria are Enyimba, Lobi Stars, Enugu Rangers, Heartland F.C, Rivers United (Sharks, Dolphins), Shooting Stars.

• Ranking: 39 points
• Number of entrants: 2
• Win by Nation: 2

9.  Ligue 1 – Guinea

Guinea used to be a powerhouse in African football. But over the years, the country has witnessed a sharp decline. Despite the ups and downs, the country still has a reputable name on the continent.

Top Guinean football clubs include Ashanti GB, AS Kaloum, AC Horoya.

• Ranking: 38 points
• Number of entrants: 2
• Win by Nation: 3

10. Girabola – Angola

Angolan football league is one of the most competitive in Africa. The league contested by players from Brazil, Portugal and other African Nations has continued to witness an upsurge in the performance on the continental level.

Some of the biggest football clubs in Angola are Petro de Luanda, 1º (Primeira) de Agosto, Interclub, Sporting de Cabinda, Académica do Lobito.

• Ranking: 36 points
• Number of entrants: 2
• Win by Nation: 0

11. Sudan 29.5

12. Libya 16.5

13. Tanzania Ligi Kuu Bara 14

14. Ivory Coast 13

15. Kenya 11

16. Zimbabwe 11

17. Mozambique 9

18. Republic of Congo 8

19. Uganda 8

20. Ghana 6.5

Reference(s)

CAF Champions League

CAF Confederation Cup

CAF 5-year Ranking