best football leagues in Africa 2021 Statistically Ranked
December 11, 2020Updated: 3rd May 2021.
When it comes to continental football in Africa, the team’s from the northern part tends to dominate more compared to teams competing from other parts.
In 2020, 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 continent 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 2021 Ranked Statistically.
1. Morocco – Botola Pro
Morocco Botola Pro is the best football league in Africa.
The North Africa country has consistently produced clubs which has gone on to win the continental titles. Morocco boost of domestic league compared to some of the already established leagues in Europe.
The Botola Pro serves as the domestic league for clubs in Morocco.
The league has notable names like Raja Casablanca, Hassania Agadir, Wydad Athletic Club, Olympique Khouribga, Moghreb Tétouan and FUS Rabat.
According to Champions League winners by Nations, Morocco has won six titles.
Statistics >>
Ranking: 190 points
Number of entrants: 2
Win by Nation: 6
2. Egypt – Egyptian Premier League
Egypt remains the number one football nation in Africa when it comes to the club and national team football. Egyptian football clubs have won a total of 25 titles.
The most successful club in the history of the country is Al Ahly with 8 titles.
Notable names including Al Ahly, Zamalek, Ismaily, Al Masry, Smouha.
Statistics >>
Ranking: 167 points
Number of entrants: 2
Win by Nation: 15
3. Ligue Professionnelle 1 – Tunisia
Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 is the top tier of 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.
Founded 9 June 1907, the league has notable names like Club Africain, CS Sfaxien, Espérance de Tunis and Étoile du Sahel.
Tunisia has two in the CAF Champions League as well as the CAF Confederations Cup.
Statistics >>
Ranking: 140 points
Number of entrants: 2
Win by Nation: 6
4. Linafoot or officially Vodacom Ligue – DR Congo
DR Congo is one of the best when it comes to continental football across east and central Africa.
The country boast of teams including TP Mazembe, AS Vita Club, DC Motema Pembe, FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo, SM Sanga Blende.
Statistics >>
Ranking: 83 points
Number of entrants: 2
Win by Nation: 6
5. Algeria Ligue 1 – Algeria
Algeria is another top destination for African football. The north African country also boasts of having one of the most organized football league on the continent.
The Algeria Ligue 1 has notable names including CR Belouizdad, MC Alger, ES Sétif, JS Kabylie, CS Constantine, USM Alger, JS Saoura, ASO Chlef.
The league is contested by 16 teams and officially known as Ligue Professionnelle 1.
Statistics >>
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 as well as the richest domestic football league on the continent after the CAF Competitions.
South African team Mamelodi Sundowns participated in the FIFA Club World Cup after winning the CAF Champions League in 2019 under the guidance of Pitso Monimane.
The league has notable names including Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, SuperSport United, Orlando Pirates.
Statistics >>
Ranking: 68.5 points
Number of entrants: 2
Win by Nation: 2
7. Super League – Zambia
The Zambia Nation presents the majority it’s national team players selected from the domestic league. The league has been outstanding despite challenges in previous years.
The league has notable names including Nkana FC, ZESCO United FC, Lusaka Dynamos FC, Zanaco F.C.
Statistics >>
Ranking: 43 points
Number of entrants: 2
Win by Nation: 0
8. Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) – Nigeria
The Nigeria Professional Football League is the top tier of Nigerian football league system. The league is followed by the Nigeria National League.
Nigeria has also had their fair share of the continental showpiece in the past with Enyimba, who went on to win the title back to back.
Notable names including Enyimba, Lobi Stars, Enugu Rangers, Heartland F.C, Rivers United (Sharks, Dolphins), Shooting Stars.
Statistics >>
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
Notable names including Ashanti GB, AS Kaloum, AC Horoya.
Statistics >>
Ranking: 38 points
Number of entrants: 2
Win by Nation: 3
10. Girabola – Angola
Angolan football has constantly developed on existing protocols. The league contested by players from Brazil, Portugal as well other African Nations has continued to witness an upsurge in terms of performance of teams at the continental level.
Notable names including Petro de Luanda, 1º (Primeira) de Agosto, Interclub, Sporting de Cabinda, Académica do Lobito.
Statistics >>
Ranking: 36 points
Number of entrants: 2
Win by Nation: 0
Other top teams in the continent
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