TEHRAN – Esteghlal football team winger Kevin Yamga says that Tehran derby between Esteghlal nad Persepolis is comparable to Manchester derby.

Excitement is running high among fans of Tehran's two football giants before Wednesday's derby between Persepolis and Esteghlal whose long-running rivalry has ignited passions in sports and politics for decades.

The Azadi stadium, which is home to both teams, is one of the largest in the world, and will see its seats packed for the 103rd Tehran Derby.

“It's the most important match. There's a crazy atmosphere, incredible to experience,” Yamga, the only Frenchman playing in Iran, told AFP.

“Half of the stands are all blue, the other all red,” said Yamga, who has played in five derbies since joining the blues of Esteghlal in 2021.

Fans travel hundreds of kilometers to reach the capital before spending the night near the stadium to secure a seat.

“It's a very, very strong rivalry, comparable to that between the clubs of Manchester - United and City - or of Glasgow - Celtic and Rangers,” Yamga said.

The Frenchman, however, will not be playing on Wednesday due to injury.

Both teams are competing in the Iranian top-tier football league, the Persian Gulf Pro League.

Esteghlal are top of the table, three points ahead of title holders Persepolis, with 11 games to play.

Out of 102 matches, 49 have ended in draws so far, with Persepolis winning 27 and Esteghlal 26.