Sport
What are the best African football stadiums?
African football has come a long way in the past few decades with the increasing success of African footballers puts the continent in the global spotlight. With increased recognition has come stadiums full of cheering fans, colourful characters and the emergence of cult phenomenon like the vuvuzela. It can be found in all four corners of Africa whether it be in the shadow of rainforests, deserts or shanty towns ensuring no two backdrops are the same. With a mix of new and iconic venues to consider, just what are the best African football stadiums?
The 5 best African football stadiums
FNB Stadium (Johannesburg, South Africa)
Nicknamed ‘Soccer City’ by fans around the world, there is no venue quite like the FNB Stadium. The principal stadium of South Africa is a continental colosseum with close stands towering high above the pitch containing 95,000 screaming fans.
If the 2010 World Cup felt like a party, the stadium truly comes alive when it hosts the Soweto derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. The cacophony and noise generated by fans matches that of anywhere else in the world and creates an atmosphere unlike anything else in the region. A true temple to African football worthy of its nickname and certainly one of the continent’s finest football stadiums.
Stade Hammadi Agrebi (Tunis, Tunisia)
Built at the start of the century, Tunisia’s Stade Hammadi Agrebi set the blueprint for modern North African football stadiums. Originally constructed for the 2001 Mediterranean Games, the stadium had all the perks needed for a 21st century showpiece stadium with the accompanying running track adding to the glamorous feel.
It hasn’t disappointed either with the pitch always being well-maintained and suited for all forms of football. It becomes a sea of colour too when home sides play on a weekly basis hosting all three of Tunis’ local sides – Esperance, Club Africain and Stade Tunisien. The local derbies are fiercely fought with silverware often on the line creating magical moments on an annual basis.
Borg El Arab Stadium (Alexandria, Egypt)
Set on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast, the Borg El Arab stadium is a modern and thriving stadium. With a capacity of just under 90,000, it’s one of the largest in Africa and has all the perks a modern stadium should have. It’s role in Egyptian football has changed though acting as a neutral venue for many teams to battle foes on.
With many domestic matches marred by stampedes and collapses in sub-par stadiums, the Borg El Arab Stadium has become the neutral battleground for all major clashes to be hosted on. A safe haven for players and fans in a country that has seen violence undermine one of the world’s most competitive leagues in recent years.
Stade Mohammed V (Casablanca, Morocco)
It’s safe to say that the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca is one of the most recognized African football stadiums. The 65,000 stadium has hosted top matches since 1955 from all levels from the local Botola league to Morocco fixtures and even a regular home for the FIFA World Club Cup. It has seen many of the biggest names in the game set foot in the stadium making it hallowed ground for fans to visit when visiting the area.
There is nothing quite like seeing the stadium awash in colour for the intense rivalry between Raja and Wydad Casablanca where the stadium feels like it is alive for 2 hours twice a year. It may have seen its initial capacity reduced to 65,000 from 110,000 but it still one of the top venues in all of Africa.
Moses Mabhida Stadium (Durban, South Africa)
With its towering arch across the pitch and curved roofing, the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban is one of the best looking Afican football stadiums. One of the new venues built for the 2010 World Cup, the ball-shaped stadium is as modern as it can be with underfloor roofing, excellent lighting and easy access for fans to get to.
The stadium regularly hosts sports of all types including rugby cricket and the AmaZulu football side. With an additional arena built next door too, the Moses Mabhida Stadium is by far one of the most modern venues in all of Africa.
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