AFC Leopards and record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia are supposed to meet on Sunday 24 November 2024 in the first leg of the Mashemeji Derby in the 24/25 Football Kenya Federation Premier League season.
But with only five days left to the game, the venue of where the encounter will take place is still in doubt with AFC Leopards, who are supposed to host the clash, still waiting for clearance for a match venue.
Promotional material advertising the game has indicated that Nyayo National Stadium, which was closed down for renovations for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, will host the eagerly awaited clash.
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However, SportPesa Blog can confirm that the 12-time Kenyan champions are yet to receive clearance from Sports Kenya as to whether the game will be allowed to take place in the venue or not.
SportPesa Blog is aware that Ingwe chairman Dan Shikanda made a request to Sports Kenya on Monday asking to use the high-risk match but no feedback has been relayed with the club hopeful to get confirmation by Tuesday.
Since the closing down of the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani and Nyayo Stadium for CHAN upgrades, teams have been forced to use the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, Dandora Stadium and even other facilities like Kinoru Stadium in Meru for hosting purposes.
However, none of the grounds meet the requirements for hosting a high-risk match like the Mashemeji Derby, leaving the game in limbo if the request is declined.
Unlike the Kasarani Stadium, SportPesa Blog has been informed that the playing surface at the Nyayo National Stadium was not affected and the only worry is the supporting infrastructure, which are being upgraded, that are mostly affected.
Should the game go on, both teams will be looking for nothing short of three points to calm their fans ahead of disappointing starts to the season.
Tomas Trucha’s AFC Leopards will be seeking their fourth win of the season after eight matches while Gor Mahia, who have recently parted ways with Brazilian tactician Leo Martin Neiva, will be going in search of their third win of the season.
Last season, K’Ogalo, under Johnathan McKinstry’s guidance, claimed the bragging right after dominating in both legs.
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In the first leg, Gor Mahia hosted AFC Leopards at the Moi International Stadium and won 2-0 with Benson Omalla scoring a brace.
In the second leg played at Nyayo Stadium, Gor Mahia completed the double over Ingwe with a 1-0 victory.
Austin Odhiambo scored the only goal of the match in the first half, and despite Gor Mahia being reduced to 10 men after goalkeeper Kevin Omondi was sent off for fouling Victor Omune, they held on to win.
In their last six encounters, Gor Mahia has won three times, while AFC Leopards has won once, with both teams sharing points twice.
Mashemeji Derby last 6 meetings
Gor Mahia 1-0 AFC Leopards
AFC Leopards 0-2 Gor Mahia
Gor Mahia 1-2 AFC Leopards
AFC Leopards 0-0 Gor Mahia
Gor Mahia 1-1 AFC Leopards
AFC Leopards 0-1 Gor Mahia
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