M. KisengeWhy AFC Leopards bowed to 'husband of teams' in Mashemeji Derby
Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 08.10.23. | 12:23
Leopards are yet to win a match six rounds into the new season
Despite putting in a decent show in the 94th edition of the Mashemeji Derby, the AFC Leopards lost 2-0 to their bitter rivals Gor Mahia at the Kasarani Stadium.
The loss heaped more pressure on coach Tom Juma, who has yet to guide the Leopards to their first win six rounds into the 2023–2024 Football Kenya Federation Premier League campaign.
Benson Omala found the back of the net in either half to settle the contest. Austin Odhiambo and Patrick Sibomana were responsible for the assists.
When asked what went wrong in his first Mashemeji Derby while at the helm of the Leopards, Juma pointed out their inability to deal with Gor’s quick transitions.
“Gor Mahia were good in offensive transition. Immediately after they won the ball in the midfield and defence, they always looked to attack. It was effective, as they had a quick striker and equally fast wingers. We lost concentration as well,” he gave his assessment.
The former Kenyan international, for the umpteenth time, blamed the influx of new arsenals in the off-season transfer window and the short period they had to prepare the team for the new season for the defeat.
Leopards signed 20 players after FIFA lifted their ban, bringing fresh blood, which Juma admits will take time to fully jell and start giving Ingwe diehards reasons to smile.
“Half of the team is new. We need time to jell. It doesn’t happen overnight, although we are improving,” observed the former midfielder.
Juma, who succeeded Belgian tactician Patrick Aussems in July, couldn’t hide his frustrations with the spells of dominance and chances that went begging.
“In terms of possessions and creation, we did well but couldn’t win the game,” he said.
Meanwhile, Juma conceded that the pressure to turn the results around is rife.
“You have to feel the pressure; this is football; this is the AFC Leopards,” he added.
