- The AFC Leopards vs Gor Mahia match ended in a barren stalemate at Nyayo National Stadium.
- Leopards dominated the first half, but the second half saw Gor Mahia have their best moments.
- This was the first Mashemeji derby of the FKFPL 2024/25 season after being postponed twice.
AFC Leopards and their arch-rivals Gor Mahia played to a goalless draw in the first leg of the Mashemeji derby staged at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday evening.
The Nyayo stands, filled with blue and green, saw both teams create a couple of chances but neither could capitalize on them.
Ingwe dominated most of the first half, while K’Ogalo enjoyed their best period in the second half after making a few changes.
With both teams splitting the points, SportPesa Blog takes a look at the players’ performances, highlighting those who stood out and those who faltered with the chances they had.
AFC Leopards vs Gor Mahia player ratings
AFC Leopards
Levis Opiyo – 7/10
Having been criticized for mistakes in last year’s Mashemeji derby, Opiyo mastered his craft this time, delivering an optimal performance between the sticks. He denied Sharrif Musa a chance with a well-timed punch.
Randi Bakari – 6/10
The defender stood his ground well, denying Sharrif Musa the opportunity to make crosses and winning several second balls.
Kayci Odhiambo – 6/10
The center-back was solid, ensuring Gedeon Bendeka could not receive dangerous passes. His presence made Opiyo’s job easier throughout the match.
Samuel Semo – 6/10
Semo had a strong first half on the left wing, creating chances for Leopards that resulted in corners. He was effective both defensively and in delivering crosses into the box.
Musa Oundo – 8/10
Impressive in central midfield, Oundo made powerful runs and provided excellent passes to Ovella Ochieng on the right wing. He also helped keep the defense solid.
Boniface Kweyu – 5/10
Munyendo was not at his best in this match. Despite several opportunities in the first half, he squandered them. In the second half, he struggled with discipline and was booked.
Kelly Madada – 7/10
Madada played 80 minutes and impressed throughout. He delivered some brilliant crosses and tackles, making key contributions to the attack.
Ovella Ochieng – 6/10
Ochieng played for 45 minutes and impressed with his runs down the right wing. However, he was substituted in the second half due to injury.
Hassan Beja – 5/10
The U20 star had a few chances to convert but struggled with the pressure of the game during his 80 minutes on the field.
Maxwell Otieno – 5/10
Otieno was Ingwe’s leading attacker but failed to make an impact. He could not hold onto the ball long enough as Gor Mahia’s defense was too tight.
Victor Otieno – 6/10
Otieno replaced the injured Ovella Ochieng but did not have much impact. His runs and crosses were intercepted by Gor Mahia defenders.
Victor Omune – 5/10
Omune, who had scored in 2023 when Ingwe last beat Gor, came on with 10 minutes remaining. However, he did not receive the necessary crosses to capitalize on. He did win several long balls that helped Ingwe retain possession but could not convert a chance in the 90th minute.
Kevin Kimani –5/10
Kimani helped Ingwe maintain pressure but seemed content with the draw, doing little to change the outcome.
ALSO READ: AFC Leopards & Gor Mahia share spoils in a hard-fought Mashemeji Derby
Gor Mahia
Gad Mathew – 6/10
In goal, Mathew was largely untested, with most of the defensive work being handled by his teammates, as Ingwe did not direct any dangerous shots his way.
Paul Ochouga – 7/10
Ochouga played a key role in neutralizing Ovella Ochieng’s runs, winning several second balls, and keeping his right-back position secure.
Joshua Onyango – 7/10
Onyango made key clearances that denied Ingwe the chance to capitalize on openings, maintaining his composure in defense.
Alphonse Omija – 8/10
Omija was tactically sound throughout, remaining formidable at left-back and dealing well with Munyendo and Hassan Beja, who were making runs down the left wing.
Levin Joseph – 6/10
Joseph had a solid performance, making good runs down the left wing. However, he missed a few chances but ensured his defensive duties were fulfilled, preventing Madada’s crosses from causing problems.
Lawrence Juma – 6/10
Juma was often forced to drop back and assist defensively but also made forward runs and helped retain possession for the visitors.
Enock Morrison – 6/10
Morrison was not at his best but contributed two key crosses that Sharrif Musa couldn’t convert, which could have given Gor Mahia the lead.
Alpha Onyango – 7/10
Onyango controlled the center of Gor Mahia’s play with impressive headers and crosses towards Ingwe’s goal. Unfortunately, his efforts were not rewarded.
ALSO READ: Ronney Onyango pens emotional goodbye to Gor Mahia fans after sealing move to Norway
Geoffrey Ochieng – 6/10
As a winger, Ochieng struggled to provide sufficient service to Sharrif Musa and Gedeon Bendeak, who were leading Gor’s attack. He also had a chance, but Opiyo made the save.
Gedeon Bendeak – 6/10
Bendeak had minimal chances to shoot, with the Ingwe defense holding him tightly. However, he contributed well in midfield.
Sharrif Musa – 8/10
Musa had three chances that could have given Gor Mahia the lead or even won the match, but he failed to convert them. Nevertheless, he had a strong overall performance.
Austin Odhiambo – 6/10
Odhiambo made an impact after being substituted in, with good crosses and runs. He also squared a chance but couldn’t convert. He changed the game dynamics in his short time on the field.
Samuel Onyango – 5/10
Onyango was subbed in during the second half to help stabilize the midfield. At that point, Gor Mahia seemed content with the draw and the one point.