Kitwe Derby


The Kitwe Derby also known as the El Kopala or Chibwe Derby is a widely regarded as the most intense and high-profile football rivalry in Zambia, pitting Power Dynamos against Nkana F.C.—two of the country’s most successful and historic football clubs, both based in the city of Kitwe on the Copperbelt Province.
The fixture is a highlight of the Zambian football calendar and is frequently compared to major African derbies for its atmosphere, intensity, and cultural significance.

Origins and Significance

The rivalry gained prominence following Power Dynamos’ promotion to the Zambian top flight in 1979. Prior to that, local football rivalries in Kitwe mainly featured Nkana and Kitwe United. The Kitwe Derby is also affectionately known by names like "El Kopala" and "Chibwe Derby," reflecting local culture and the close-knit football community in the Copperbelt.

Atmosphere

The derby is famous for its electrifying atmosphere, often drawing record-breaking crowds and generating massive interest across Zambia. Fans from across the Copperbelt and beyond travel to witness the match live, and local broadcasters and media provide extensive coverage.

Recent Incidents

The 2025 edition of the Kitwe Derby ended in drama and controversy. A late penalty awarded to Power Dynamos led to outrage among Nkana supporters, resulting in crowd trouble and vandalism. Over 500 stadium seats were reportedly damaged, and the Zambian government publicly condemned the violence.
Despite the tension, the match ended 1–1 and was hailed for its competitive quality.

Competitive Record

Since 2011, Power Dynamos have held a slight upper hand in the derby, with 16 wins compared to Nkana’s 10, and 6 draws. In that time, 70 goals have been scored—42 by Power and 28 by Nkana. However, form is often considered irrelevant in this fixture, with both teams typically rising to the occasion regardless of their league standing.

Overall record

  • Cups include Zambian Cup and ABSA Cup meetings since 2000; record may be incomplete.

    Win percentage(%)

All-time results

League

  • *
SeasonDateVenueFixtureScore
2024–2520 April 2025Nkana StadiumNkana vs Power Dynamos1–1
2024–257 December 2024Arthur Davies StadiumPower Dynamos vs Nkana1–2
2023–2420 April 2024Arthur Davies StadiumPower Dynamos vs Nkana0–2
2023–2412 November 2023Nkana StadiumNkana vs Power Dynamos0–2
2022–2329 April 2023Arthur Davies StadiumPower Dynamos vs Nkana2–0
2022–2319 November 2022Nkana StadiumNkana vs Power Dynamos0–1
2021–2223 April 2022Arthur Davies StadiumPower Dynamos vs Nkana1–0
2021–2212 December 2021Nkana StadiumNkana vs Power Dynamos2–0
2020–219 May 2021Arthur Davies StadiumPower Dynamos vs Nkana0–2
2020–2127 February 2021Nkana StadiumNkana vs Power Dynamos0–3

Stadiums

  • Nkana Stadium – home of Nkana F.C.
  • Arthur Davies Stadium – home of Power Dynamos F.C.