- AFC Leopards chairman Boniface Ambani was left elated after their Mashemeji Derby win over rivals Gor Mahia.
- Ingwe clinched the 98th edition of the derby 0–1 on Sunday, December 7, at the Nyayo National Stadium.
- Julius Masaba scored the solo goal for the visitors.
AFC Leopards chairman Boniface Ambani was left an elated man after his team managed to edge out arch-rival Gor Mahia 0-1 in the 98th edition of the Mashemeji Derby.
Staged at the Nyayo National Stadium, Gor Mahia were the hosts for the first leg of the colossal clash in the SportPesa League on Sunday, December 7, 2025.
It was Ingwe who took their one clear chance in the opening half after dominating proceedings, and in the 25th minute, Julius Masaba delivered, securing the 12-time top-flight champions their first victory in four attempts since last defeating K’Ogalo in 2023.
ALSO READ: Masaba strike stuns Gor Mahia as AFC Leopards claim Mashemeji Derby bragging rights in 98th edition
Speaking to the press after the match, the club’s president, Ambani, stated that this was a triumph they have been seeking for some time, and he hopes it will propel them forward in their pursuit of the league title.
“AFC Leopards has really waited for this win for a long time. To us, it was a very important match and it will help us build momentum in the league,” Ambani stated.
AFC Leopards chairman Boniface Ambani left overjoyed after Mashemeji win against Gor Mahia
Ambani, who is the brother of head coach Fred Ambani, said he was delighted not only to claim the Derby bragging rights but also to seize all three points in the country’s biggest fixture, especially in his first year since taking office this past June.
He also acknowledged that the joy exceeded expectations after the club’s women’s side, the Leopardess, defeated the Gor Mahia ladies 1-0 earlier the same day in a doubleheader of the Mashemeji Derby.
I’m just elated. This was my first derby as president of the club, and winning it is thrilling. The best part is that our Ladies team, the Leopardess, also beat the Gor Mahia ladies 1-0 in Ruaraka.”
The three points on Sunday saw Ingwe return to winning ways in the SportPesa League, snatching a victory that lifted them to sixth place on the table with 17 points, marking their fourth win of the campaign.
Ambani building a team capable of competing for titles
Ambani, a former AFC Leopards player, now believes he is assembling a squad strong enough to contest for the title- a feat the club has thirsted for over two decades.
The team is on the right trajectory. We are building the squad, the confidence of the players, their mentality, and everything around them.
We only need the supporters’ backing. I’m constructing it slowly by slowly, and believe me, give me a few months and this team will be among the best,” he reiterated.
To build on that monumental win, the 1998 SportPesa League champions will aim to extend their positive run when they face reigning champions Kenya Police FC on Jamhuri Day, December 12.
