- The first Mashemeji Derby between Gor Mahia vs AFC Leopards will take place at the Nyayo National Stadium on March 30, 2025.
- Gor Mahia have a better head-to-head record than AFC Leopards in the history of the Mashemeji Derby.
- The derby has been delayed twice due to the unavailability of a stadium.
The stage is set for one of the biggest fixtures in the East African football industry – the Mashemeji Derby – where rivals Gor Mahia FC and AFC Leopards will battle it out for glory.
On Sunday, March 30, fans of the two sides will paint the Nyayo National Stadium green and blue as they support their favorite clubs in the first Mashemeji Derby of the 2024/25 season.
The upcoming game has been delayed several times due to the unavailability of a stadium that can host such a high-profile match.
Mashemeji Derby postponed twice
The game was initially scheduled to take place on November 24, 2024 before being pushed to Sunday, March 2.
However, the construction works that were taking place at the Nyayo National Stadium and the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani at that time made the fixture to pushed again to Sunday, March 30.
The crunch tie will become the third match to take place at the refurbished Nyayo Stadium after the Junior Starlets versus Uganda Cranes FIFA U17 Girls World Cup qualifier clash & the recent encounter between Harambee Stars and Gabon.
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The upcoming Mashemeji Derby is expected to be a thrilling one because both clubs are in contention for the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) title at this stage of the season.
Gor Mahia, who are defending champions, currently occupy the third position in the table standings with 42 points, five less than league leaders Tusker FC.
However, the Sinisa Mihic-coached army still has a high chance of retaining the title since they have played two fewer games than the Brewers.
On the other hand, AFC Leopards, who have also played two less matches than Tusker FC, are ranked fifth at the moment with 36 points.
Therefore, should Ingwe overcome Gor Mahia, they will get the confidence of winning the FKFPL trophy after a long hiatus.
Speaking ahead of the Mashemeji Derby, AFC Leopards captain Clifton Miheso acknowledged that it will be a tough match for both clubs.
“I understand the magnitude of this game. It is a big game, it is a derby. It is very important for both Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards and you know, as AFC Leopards we have our target as a team and one of them is to win this game,” explained Miheso.
On his part, Gor Mahia’s skipper Philemon Otieno echoed Miheso’s comments, stating that they cannot underrate their opponents since they are enjoying a good form at the moment.
Meanwhile, Mihic stated that his charges have all the qualities needed to beat AFC Leopards.
According to the Croatian citizen, his players have shown significant improvement since he took charge of the club earlier this year.
“My team now is on a higher level than before in attacking, defending and transition. We are more alert as a team, you know,” he commented.
Gor Mahia vs AFC Leopards current form
Gor Mahia will prepare for the highly anticipated Mashemeji Derby on the back of a 2-0 win over Bandari FC.
Meanwhile, the hosts AFC Leopards head into Sunday’s fixture after playing to a 1-1 draw with SportPesa sponsored side Shabana FC.
AFC Leopards vs Gor Mahia head-to-head ahead of Mashemeji Derby
Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards have played against each other 95 times in history with K’Ogalo emerging victorious on 33 occasions. 34 of those matches ended in a draw.
Gor Mahia picked up a narrow 1-0 win in the most recent Mashemeji Derby that was played on April, 21, 2024 thanks to Austin Odhiambo’s goal.
AFC Leopards: 28
Draws: 34
Gor Mahia: 33
AFC Leopards vs Gor Mahia Mashemeji Derby predictions
Recent meetings have seen Gor Mahia get the better of AFC Leopards who fail to rise to the occasion at most times.
However, derby games know no history and form, therefore football fans should get ready for an entertaining Mashemeji Derby that is likely to end with Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards failing to keep a clean sheet.
