- AFC Leopards assistant captain Kennedy Owino has shared part of the tactical strategy they will use in the Mashemeji Derby against Gor Mahia.
- Gor Mahia will host Ingwe in the first leg of the highly anticipated rivalry on Sunday, December 7, at Nyayo National Stadium.
- The Ingwe assistant captain is also aware of Gor Mahia’s form but remains focused on his own team’s game.
AFC Leopards assistant captain Kennedy Owino has revealed one of the key tactic they will employ to secure victory against Gor Mahia in the upcoming Mashemeji Derby this Sunday.
Gor Mahia will host Ingwe in the first leg of the highly anticipated rivalry encounter on Sunday, December 7, at Nyayo National Stadium from 3:00 PM EAT.
ALSO READ: AFC Leopards Captain Victor Omune confident of beating Gor Mahia in Mashemeji Derby
Speaking during a training session at Marist International University in Karen on Thursday, the experienced center-back stated that the squad has been sharp in camp since their last SportPesa League match and that the fixture itself is a major motivation.
“The camp has been good; we are really psyched up for the derby because the event itself is a psychological boost, so we are just ready for it on Sunday,” he told the press.
AFC Leopards assistant captain aware of Gor Mahia’s form but focused on their own game
Owino acknowledged that Gor Mahia have managed to find strong form this season but sent them a message that, despite their slick gameplay, the Mashemeji Derby is unlike any other match.
Gor began with a loss, but the coach identified their issues and what was going wrong, and they managed to bounce back,” he stated.
Yes, they have been solid this season, but a derby is a completely different affair. We aren’t focused on their actions or their performance so far – this is about us (Ingwe) heading into the game.”
AFC Leopards assistant captain Kennedy Owino on one key tactical strategy they will use in Mashemeji Derby
The former Western Stima player stated that they have a strategy, one aspect of which is to control the game in the first half.
This aims to ensure that K’Ogalo, who have been pouring forward after halftime in most matches this season, find it difficult to mount a comeback.
We have our plan to handle this match. The coaching staff have done their research, and we have had productive training over the past two weeks.
We have worked on our weaknesses and done our homework on them, because we know this season they’ve often emerged aggressively in the second half, playing a low block.
I believe we have already devised a response to that, and we intend to complete our job in the first half, as we recognize that’s where their strength lies,” he explained.
This marks the 98th Mashemeji Derby between the two sides, and each will be aiming to claim the bragging rights on Sunday at Nyayo Stadium.
Gor Mahia will enter the encounter at the top of the table with 19 points, while AFC Leopards, winless in their last three matches (2 draws, 1 loss)- sit in seventh place with 14 points, five behind K’Ogalo, with both sides having played nine matches.
Mashemeji Derby 2025: Gor Mahia vs AFC Leopards (1st Leg) Tickets
K’Ogalo announced that tickets have been limited, with only 18,000 available for Sunday’s clash.
Tickets are being sold online, and fans can purchase them exclusively through the digital platform langopass.com.
Regular tickets will cost KES 300, VIP KES 1,000, and VVIP KES 5,000.
Supporters can also access the purchase portal by dialing the USSD code *265*25# on their mobile phones, ensuring a convenient and swift ticketing process for fans across the country.