The 99th Mashemeji Derby pitting AFC Leopards against Gor Mahia delivered exactly what Kenyan football thrives on – a sold out stadium, tension, fine margins and a decisive moment that tilted the title race in favour of record champions Gor Mahia .
At Nyayo National Stadium, Gor once again proved why they remain masters of the big occasion, edging Leopards 1-0 courtesy of a late strike from captain Alpha Chris Onyango who finished off a sumptuous cross from youngster Bryton Onyona.
That goal did more than just secure bragging rights as it stretched Gor Mahia’s lead at the summit of the 25/26 SportPesa League to six points and, in many eyes, tilted the title race firmly in their favour.
But beyond the result, questions have been raised about AFC Leopards club approach, mentality, and execution on the day by a former player who featured for Ingwe in the 80s and 90s.
Club legend Reginald Asibwa did not hold back in his assessment, offering a brutally honest breakdown of where Ingwe fell short.
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How AFC Leopards lost Mashemeji Derby against Gor Mahia
“I want to point out that the team had a parched-up performance overall, showing up at times but disappearing occasionally,” Asibwa said in an interview with Flashscore.
In a derby where intensity and consistency are non-negotiable, such inconsistency proved costly. AFC Leopards came into the match with solid form and even had the psychological edge having won the first leg 1-0 through a Julius Masaba strike.
However, they failed to replicate that cutting edge when it mattered most.
“Most of our players lacked preparedness and tools in regard to what it means to feature, the ‘tools’ to employ and indeed win the derby,” he added.
From a tactical standpoint, Asibwa believes Ingwe got it wrong. Instead of pressing high and unsettling Gor Mahia’s rhythm, they allowed their rivals to grow into the game.
“The one thing that would have helped AFC Leopards to win would have been relentless pressure but they resorted to playing more back passes and square passes that gave Gor Mahia ample time to settle quickly into this game.”
Indeed, the first half painted that exact picture. Gor Mahia dictated the match from the onset, attacking from all angles and were only denied by a string of brilliant saves from goalkeeper Humphrey Katasi.
“In fact, AFC must thank their goalkeeper for keeping them in the game for long spells. AFC was worried more about not losing as opposed to thinking about winning which looked like dying before you’re killed,” Asibwa remarked.
Another key talking point was team selection. Asibwa questioned coach Fred Ambani’s decision to bench youngster Kelly Madada, a move he believes disrupted the team’s balance.
“Just like an engine if you remove one piston, the efficiency drops,” he explained.
Without Madada’s creativity and energy, AFC’s midfield struggled to link play which saw Ghanaian midfielder Enock Morrison alongside captain Alpha Chris Onyango bossing the middle of the pack for Gor Mahia, leaving the Ingwe defence exposed and the attack starved of service.
“AFC Leopards midfield in the first half was wanting to put immense pressure on the defence coupled with a lack of supply to the strikers and wings, which is the main source of goals.”
Beyond tactics, Asibwa pointed to a deeper issue, mentality.
“Communication among and within the team was absent, pointing to a lack of confidence and presence of fear in our players’ stomachs,” he observed.
In matches of this magnitude, belief and composure often make the difference. According to the former defender, that winning mentality is something that needs to be cultivated, and he believes club legends have a role to play.
“I think warriors of the team in the name of club legends should get a chance to speak to players prior to such big derby matches just to motivate them to inculcate that winning mentality and courage in the boys.
“The legend should show them the invincibility and how to prepare for such big games in terms of courage and confidence.”
The defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for AFC Leopards, who had been on a strong run, registering wins against Tusker, Kariobangi Sharks and Murang’a Seal heading into the clash. It also denied them a rare season double over their fiercest rivals.
Historically, the Mashemeji Derby has always been a game of fine margins. Out of 99 meetings, Gor Mahia now holds the edge, and this latest victory only reinforces their dominance when the stakes are highest.
The win saw K’Ogalo move six points ahead of their arch rivals Afc Leopards with five matches to the end of the season.