- Gor Mahia FC played to a 1-1 draw with AFC Leopards in an epic Mashemeji Derby staged at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay County.
- The Mashemeji Derby outcome reduced the chances of Gor Mahia defending their FKF Premier League title.
- AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia have shared spoils in the two Mashemeji Derby matches that they have played in the league this season.
Gor Mahia’s hopes of retaining the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League title took the ultimate hit after a 1-1 draw with arch-rivals AFC Leopards in a tight Mashemeji Derby encounter drew Kenya Police a step closer to the trophy.
In the thrilling Mashemeji Derby that was staged at the new-look Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay County on Monday, June 2, 2025, AFC Leopards came from behind to share spoils with Gor Mahia.
The highly anticipated Mashemeji Derby started at an even pace with both Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards players playing with caution to avoid making blunders.
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However, as time went on, the two sides started to show some agency and created several chances in the process.
Gor Mahia came close to scoring in the 20th when Ben Stanley Omondi delivered a dangerous cross into the box but Benson Omalla headed it wide.
Austin Odhiambo strikers for Gor Mahia in Mashemeji Derby
Nevertheless, it did not take long before the mercurial Austin Odhiambo put the multiple FKF Premier Champions ahead.
Odhiambo, who recently received a call up to the Harambee Stars squad for the upcoming friendly ties against Chad after the withdrawal of Victor Wanyama, fired a powerful shot past AFC Leopards goalkeeper Levis Opiyo to send the thousands of K’Ogalo fans into wild celebrations.
The goal motivated Gor Mahia players, as they started to dominate possession, with every pass they made receiving a loud applause from their supporters.
Despite the amazing play from the hosts, they failed to add another goal in the first half.
Brian Wanyama equalizes for AFC Leopards in Mashemeji Derby
Ingwe, who are coached by Fred Ambani, started the second half strongly and managed to find an equalizer at the stroke of the 50th minute via Brian Wanyama.
Although Gor Mahia interim head coach Zedekiah “Zico” Otieno made a couple of changes in a bid to regain control of the game, nothing good came out of them, resulting in a painful draw at the end.
The Mashemeji Derby outcome is expected to be received well by the Kenya Police FC players, who occupy the top spot in the standings with 61 points, six more than Gor Mahia, with a few matches remaining to the end of the season.
Gor Mahia will play against Ulinzi Stars and Kenya Police FC in their remaining two matches while the latter also have a date with SportPesa sponsored side Shabana FC.
On the other hand, AFC Leopards, who have picked up two points in the Mashemeji Derby this season, remained motionless in the sixth position with 47 points.
How Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards lined up in the Mashemeji Derby
AFC Leopards starting 11
Levis Opiyo, Lewis Bandi, Vincent Mahiga, Ken Odhiambo, Peter Mabok, Musa Oundo, Victor Otieno, Brian Wanyama, Christopher Koloti, Kaycie Odhiambo, Ronald Bebeto
Substitutes
Omune, Miheso, Maxwell, Beja, Masaba, Madada, Kweyu, Semo, Katasi, Were, Ssetuba
Gor Mahia starting 11
Gad Mathews, Philemon Otieno, Geofrey Ochieng, Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Lawrence Juma, Samuel Onyango, Alpha Onyango, Benson Ochieng, Austin Odhiambo, Ben Stanley Omondi
Substitutes
Kevin, Levin, Wendo, Ochuoga, Rodgers, Bendeka, Joshua, Boniface, Bryton, Bryson, Morrison, Chris
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