There are so many beautiful stadiums in Africa but not all of them are big enough. It is no doubt that football matches are better enjoyed in big stadiums. This is why the Largest stadiums in Africa are so important to talk about.
An important infrastructure in organizing a professional football match or tournament is a stadium. Stadiums vary in their capacity, structure, purpose, etc. For instance, some stadiums have tracks while others do not.
Also, some have more capacity than others. In descending order, here is a list of the 10 largest football stadiums in Africa. The stadium that occupies the 10th position on this list was randomly selected. This is because there are others with the same capacity.
However, those in other positions are according to their capacity.
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Stade Municipal de Kintele, Republic of Congo (60,000)
This stadium is the Republic of Congo’s national stadium. It opened in 2005 with a match between Congo and Ghana. The stadium served as the main venue of the 2015 All-African Games. Also, it hosts most of the Congo national team football matches.
Interestingly, the stadium has an aquatic center and an indoor arena. It holds a capacity of 60,000 people.
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Stade National de la Cote d’Ivoire, Ivory Coast (60,012)
This is one of the most modern stadiums on this list. The Ivory Coast government built the stadium in the year 2020. The stadium opened with a match between ASEC Mimosas and Africa Sports d’Abidjan.
The stadium is expected to host the opening and final match of AFCON 2023.
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Moshood Abiola National Stadium (60,491)
The Moshhod Abiola National stadium is a child of necessity. The Nigerian Government built the stadium as part of requirements to host the 2003 All-African Games. The stadium opened in 2003 with a match between two domestic clubs.
Although the friendly match between the Nigerian and Brazilian National teams is often mistaken for the opening match. Originally, the stadium was named National Stadium, Abuja,
The Nigerian government changed the name in 2019. As one of the largest football stadiums in Africa, the stadium is used for cultural and religious activities too.
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Ellis Park Stadium, South Africa (62,567)
Ellis Park is one of South Africa’s largest and oldest stadiums. It opened in the year 1928 and featured some of the best teams in the world. Manchester United, Brazil, and Arsenal played at the stadium
The stadium hosted cricket matches in the past. Also, the 1995 Rugby World Cup final won by South Africa was played there.
Interestingly, the only time rugby was not played at the stadium was when it was under construction.
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Stade 5 Juillet 1962, Algeria (64,000)
The name July 5 does not indicate the date the stadium opened. Instead, it is the date when Algeria gained its Independence. The stadium opened in the year 1972 with an original capacity of over 80,000.
In compliance with safety standards, the capacity of the stadium was reduced to 64,000. Especially when you consider that it had over 100,000 fans when Algeria played Serbia in a friendly match in 2010. It is one of the largest football stadiums in Africa.
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Stade Mohammed V, Morocco (67,000)
This stadium is located in one of the largest cities in Morocco, Casablanca. Hence, it hosts matches involving Raja Casablanca, Wydad Casablanca, and the Morocco national football team respectively.
The stadium opened in the year 1955 and played host to matches at the AFCON 1988. Also, it was the main venue of the 1983 Mediterranean Games which featured 16 nations. The stadium is one of the largest football stadiums in Africa. It allegedly has a record attendance of over 100,000 fans.
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Cairo International Stadium, Egypt (74,000)
This stadium hosts matches involving the Egyptian national football team, Al Ahly, and Zamalek respectively. The stadium was built to accommodate over 100,000 fans at a time.
Interestingly, about 120,000 attended the AFCON 1986 final match between Egypt and Cameroon. However, its official capacity is 74,000 people. Since its opening in 1960, the stadium has played host to matches in the, 1986, 2006, and 2019 AFCON tournaments.
The capacity of the stadium was reduced to its current number before the 2006 tournament as part of safety measures.
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Stade des Martyrs, Congo DR (80,000)
This is the largest stadium in Congo DR and one of the largest in Africa. It has a capacity of 80,000 people in international matches.
The stadium is located in the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kinshasa. Hence, the Congo DR national football team plays their matches at the stadium alongside AS Vita Club.
Also, the Stadium hosts other sporting and non-sporting activities too.
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Borg El Arab Stadium, Egypt (86,000)
Officially, the Borg El Arab Stadium is the largest in Egypt. Not only that it has a large capacity, but its structure and beauty are widely appreciated.
Former FIFA Vice President Jack Warner called it a “fantastic stadium”, a term also used by former FIFA president Sepp Blatter. Since its opening in 2009, the stadium has hosted matches involving the Egyptian national football team, Al Ahly, Zamalek, Smouha, amongst others.
The stadium filled to capacity in the match between Egypt and Congo in 2017. Borg El Arab Stadium is not just one of the largest football stadiums in Africa, it is one of the largest in the world.
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FNB Stadium, South Africa (94,736)
The FNB Stadium sits top of the list of the largest football stadiums in Africa. The stadium was the venue of Nelson Mandela’s first speech when he left prison and served as his memorial service.
The stadium opened in 1989 and expanded in 2009. Before its expansion, it had a capacity of 80,000 people. One of the most memorable matches hosted at the stadium is the final of the 2010 World Cup between the Netherlands and Spain.
Also, it hosted matches in the 1996 and 2013 African Cup of Nations tournaments. Furthermore, the stadium hosted a friendly match between Barcelona and Mamelodi Sundowns in 2018.
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Conclusion
There are several reasons why individuals, corporate organizations, and government build large stadiums. Most times, it is to generate more revenue.
The idea is no different with the largest Stadiums in Africa.
Which is your favorite stadium in Africa?
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