All roads lead to Nyayo for the 98th Mashemeji Derby showdown
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Reading Time: 4min | Sun. 07.12.25. | 07:45
The afternoon clash will be the 98th time that the two most supported clubs in the country meet, with Gor Mahia having a slight edge over Leopards
The long-awaited Mashemeji Derby pitting Gor Mahia against their arch rivals AFC Leopards has finally arrived, with the two clubs set to lock horns today Sunday, 7 December, at the Nyayo National Stadium from 1500 hours.
The derby was initially set for Sunday, 30 October but was postponed after Gor Mahia who will host the first leg, failed to secure both Nyayo Stadium and the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, the two most suitable facilities for the match.
As late as yesterday Saturday 6 December the derby was still in doubt as the military was practicing at Nyayo but last minute negotiations saw K’Ogalo secure the venue with finality.
The afternoon clash will be the 98th time that the two most supported clubs in the country meet, with Gor Mahia having a slight edge over Leopards having won 33 times against Ingwe’s 28 with 36 meetings ending in a stalemate.
Ahead of the derby Gor Mahia sit second on the log with 19 points having been displaced by Police FC who won their clash against Kariobangi Sharks.
Last season none of the teams grabbed the bragging rights as both the first leg and second leg ended in stalemates.
For Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor the match will be his first real test from the fans who demanded two things from him when he took over; winning the league and the derby.
“I am well aware of that they have been telling me that every time. However it is a game like any other and will not necessarily determine who wins the league.
With that said we will do all we can to ensure we win it for our sake and most importantly for the fans,” said Akonnor.
The Ghanaian will be able to select the five Gor Mahia players who were involved in accidents in the past week. However he will have to plan without experienced midfielder Lawrence Juma and pacy winger Bryson Wangai.
Gor Mahia and Harambee Stars defender Sylvester Owino acknowledged the calibre of their opponents but promised the team’s faithful supporters victory.
“They are a good side and being a derby they will even work harder but we believe our coaches have a better plan that will help us win.
It is a big game and we really want to win it for the fans and ourselves in order to take the bragging rights and cement our place at the top of the table. We will do all we can to win it,” said Owino.
As for Leopards coach Fred Ambani he will be banking on the fact that he has never lost a derby both as a player and as a coach.
The former Wazito FC tactician turned out for Ingwe during his playing career and is remembered for guiding the team to the 1998 league title which was the last league title to be won by Ingwe where he was the top scorer.
Leopards vice captain Ken Owino is confident that their analysis of K’Ogalo and their preparations will bear fruit.
“Gor have been solid and doing well since they lost their season opener but this is another game it is a derby and it does not matter what they have been doing. We have prepared well the coaches have done their research and we know where to work on them.
In the second half they want to do fast breaks and play with a low block but I think we have countered that from how we have trained. We are just training to finish our game in the first half,” said Owino.
APS Bomet vs Bandari
While the derby will be underway the clash between Mozzart Bet powered APS Bomet and Bandari FC will also be taking place at the Kericho Green Stadium.
After a week long trip to Nairobi that yielded four points from two matches and a KSh 11 million sponsorship from leading gaming firm Mozzart Bet Kenya Limited, the law enforcers, who are now 17th on the log will be seeking their first home victory of the season and continue with their redemption story.
The Dockers on the other hand have won only one of their last seven matches and none in their last two games.
A win against APS could take them to seventh on the log from their current 12th position.
KCB FC vs Sofapaka
At Kasarani Stadium KCB FC take on 2009 league champions Sofapaka from 1500 hours as both clubs struggle to shake off their respective bad runs.
The Bankers have won only one of their last seven league matches leaving them 13th on the log with 12 points the same as 14th placed Sofapaka who are on a three match winless streak.
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