- The second leg of the Mashemeji Derby between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards will be played on Monday, June 2nd, at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay at 3:00 PM.
- It’s a must-win encounter for Gor, as they cannot afford to slip up as victory would cut the gap to just four points and reignite their hopes of retaining the title.
- The first leg of the 2024/25 Mashemeji Derby ended in a goalless draw on March 30 at Nyayo Stadium.
Record Kenya champions Gor Mahia will be on a mission to close the points gap in their title bid as they welcome arch-rivals AFC Leopards in the second leg of the Mashemeji Derby on Monday, June 2, at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay (3 PM).
Having stumbled in their last two outings, Gor currently third on the log with 54 points, seven behind leaders Kenya Police, will treat the Mashemeji Derby as their crucial game in hand.
It’s a must-win encounter they cannot afford to squander, as viuctory would cut the gap to just four points and reignite their hopes of retaining the title.
Victory would not only inject renewed momentum into K’Ogalo’s campaign, but also heap pressure on Kenya Police, who need just one win from their remaining two fixtures against Shabana and Gor themselves.
Should the law enforcers slip against Shabana and fall to Gor in the season finale, the title would return to Gor Mahia for the third consecutive time.
K’Ogalo have dropped five crucial points in their last two league matches – a 2-1 defeat to Nairobi City Stars and a goalless draw with Murang’a SEAL.
This Derby is therefore of enormous significance if they are to stay in contention and intensify the pressure on a Police side chasing their first-ever league title.
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Meanwhile, Fred Ambani side still yearning for a league crown after two decades, have seen their title hopes extinguished this season, but they remain determined to finish strongly and secure a respectable position in the standings.
Ingwe currently sit sixth with 46 points.
A win in this game in hand could propel them closer to the top four, narrowing the gap to just five points behind both Kakamega Homeboyz and Gor Mahia, who are tied on 54 points.
Moreover, Leopards, who have not triumphed over Gor in their last three encounters (two losses and a draw), will be desperate to break that streak and reassert themselves in one of Kenya’s most storied football rivalries.
Coaches and players weigh in the Mashemeji Derby
Despite high morale and the desire to end the season on a high, Leopards captain Clifton Miheso acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge.
As a team, we have prepared well. Our morale is always high going into the Mashemeji Derby. Everyone in the squad is really motivated. But we are expecting a tough match because Gor Mahia are very focused on chasing the title, so it won’t be as easy as some people are suggesting- it’s a high-stakes game.
They are fighting for the title, while we are fighting for our pride, for the badge, and for our own objectives,” Miheso told SportPesa Blog.
Leopards’ interim coach Fred Ambani echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the intensity expected in the encounter.
“Gor Mahia are in the title race and have everything to fight for. For us, it’s about pride. It will be an explosive match,” Ambani stated.
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Gor Mahia interim coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno stressed the significance of the match in narrowing the gap with the league leaders.
“I think it will be a great match, and it’s another opportunity for us to try and close the gap with the leaders in the league.”
We have hard-to-please, extremely picky fans. I only ask that they show up and cheer on the team for the full 90 minutes. They should also learn to accept losses in dignity because in football, a team can only have either a win, a loss or a draw,” Zico said.
Club goalkeeper Gad Mathews labeled the derby a “must-win” clash.
It’s not going to be an easy match. Being that we are playing on home soil, the fans will turn out in large numbers. We are very grateful for what they have been doing in the past. This derby is a must win for us players. We must win. We don’t have any excuse because we must win the rest of our matches. We must win the three remaining matches,” the captain emphasized.
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Mashemeji Derby H2H
The first leg of the 2024/25 Mashemeji Derby ended in a goalless draw on March 30 at Nyayo Stadium. The upcoming clash marks the 97th meeting between these two Kenyan football titans:
- Gor Mahia: 33 wins
- AFC Leopards: 28 wins
- Draws: 35
Ingwe and Gor Key Players to Watch
Both teams have reported minimal injury concerns.
However, AFC Leopards will be without Sydney Lokale, ruled out for the remainder of the season, alongside Fredrick Alushula.
Gor Mahia will look to Benson Omalla, who missed the first leg but has already scored four goals against Leopards in previous Derbies, making him a player to watch.
Austin Odhiambo, despite a recent dip in form, remains a set-piece threat, especially if Leopards concede free kicks near the edge of the area.
Another key figure is Alpha Onyango, who has been in top form and is capable of punishing opponents with long-range strikes.
Ingwe, meanwhile, will rely on goalkeeper Levis Opiyo, who put on a brilliant performance in the first leg, while Victor Omune and Christopher Koloti are expected to spearhead their attack.
Defensively, Lewis Bandi and Ken Owino will be vital in containing Gor’s offensive threats.
Though Gor Mahia will enjoy massive support in Homa Bay their heartland, this highly anticipated derby promises passion, drama, and top-tier entertainment worthy of Kenya’s richest football tradition.
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