- The second leg of the Mashemeji Derby between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards will be played on Monday, June 2, at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay.
- Juma acknowledged that the Derby presents no straightforward challenge, noting that even seemingly favorable fixtures on paper have often ended in disappointment.
- Juma remains cautious, emphasizing that a win is far from guaranteed despite the team’s quality and stature.
Gor Mahia midfielder Lawrence Juma has expressed concern that victory is far from assured as they approach the second leg of the Mashemeji Derby against AFC Leopards on Tuesday, June 2, at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay.
Gor Mahia remain firmly in contention to defend their title for a third consecutive season.
However, with only three matches left, any slip-up could prove costly as they attempt to keep pressure on league leaders Kenya Police, who require just one more win to clinch the championship.
Unlike their dominant campaign two seasons ago, Gor’s recent performances have been underwhelming. Had they capitalized on those opportunities, their league position would be far more favorable.
Juma acknowledged that the Derby presents no straightforward challenge, noting that even on paper, favorable clashes have ended in disappointment
The thing with us at Gor is that there’s no easy game. A match only seems easy once it’s over. When you look at some of the games we have played so far this season, maybe on paper people felt confident we could get a good win but in the end, things often turned out differently,” Juma told the club’s media team as preparations intensify for the high-stakes encounter.
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Mashemeji Derby win is not guaranteed
While K’Ogalo enter the clash as favorites, Juma remains cautious, stressing that a win is far from guaranteed despite the team’s quality and stature.
There’s no easy match, but it’s also a motivation, bearing in mind that Gor is a bigger team and we have quality but still, the win is not guaranteed,” he added
The former Sofapaka captain also urged his teammates to stay focused and called on fans to continue their support during this decisive phase of the season.
We just have to stay very focused and give our best each and every one of us. Because right now we are in a critical period. Everyone in the team is needed, and our fans should not give up on us.”
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AFC Leopards have failed to overcome Gor in their last six meetings, with the first leg of this season ending in a goalless stalemate at Nyayo National Stadium.
The upcoming clash marks the 97th encounter between these Kenyan football giants, with the historical record as follows:
- Gor Mahia: 33 wins
- AFC Leopards: 28 wins
- Draws: 35
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