‘Mashemeji’ derby: AFC Leopards rake in Sh7.3m

The 96th ‘Mashemeji’ Derby between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday witnessed one of the largest crowds in recent history.

The highly anticipated clash generated over Sh7.3 million in gate revenue, according to AFC Leopards Patron Alex Muteshi. 

Leopards, the home side, donned their iconic blue and white, while Gor Mahia took to the pitch in their green and black colours.

This derby set a new record for gate collections, surpassing last year’s Sh4.5 million earnings from the same fixture at the same venue.

Tickets for the match were priced at Sh5,000 for VVIP, Sh1,000 for VIP, and Sh300 for regular seats. Fans from across the country travelled in large numbers, arriving at the stadium hours before kickoff to soak in the electrifying atmosphere.

Over 30,000 spectators, including Azimio La Umoja leader Raila Odinga, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, and former Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, were in attendance.

The turnout was even bigger than that seen during Kenya’s World Cup qualifier against Gabon at the same venue on March 23.

“The turnout was very impressive, and it is a good sign that Kenyan football is on the path to revival. The large crowd created an atmosphere that motivated the players to work hard and deliver high-quality football, despite both teams missing scoring chances,” said Muteshi yesterday. 

Long queues stretched outside the stadium as hopeful fans, some without tickets, tried to find a way in. Limited ticket-scanning zones compounded the security challenges, leading to heightened frustration among supporters who had legally purchased their tickets.

Some fans even overwhelmed security personnel and forced their way into the stadium through one of the openings.

Inside the stadium, excitement built up long before the 4pm kickoff. The stadium’s Centre Stand was naturally divided, with Leopards supporters on one side and Gor Mahia fans on the other.

Music and entertainment kept the crowd energised, while some fans resorted to song and dance, and a few even chanted anti-government slogans—a growing trend in public gatherings.

The massive crowd also spilled into the media tribunal, an area reserved for journalists, forcing some reporters to stand throughout the match. This was a repeat of the situation during Kenya’s clash with Gabon.

Post-match celebrations continued late into the night. Popular entertainment joints in Nairobi West, including Pit Stop, Kuche Kuche, Aziz Pub, Min Pub, Tottis, Jates (Lazinos), Alaska Lounge, and K’Osewe Ronalo Foods in the city centre were packed with fans analysing the game and enjoying the derby spirit.

On the pitch, the game ended in a goalless draw, with both sides having their moments. AFC Leopards dominated the first half, while Gor Mahia controlled the second in a tactical battle that could have gone either way. Captains Lewis Bandi (AFC Leopards) and Geoffrey Ochieng’ (Gor Mahia) both acknowledged that the massive crowd provided extra motivation for the players.

For both head coaches, Fred Ambani (AFC Leopards) and Sinisa Mihic (Gor Mahia), it was their first experience of the legendary derby. Ambani, a former Leopards striker (1997-2001), emerged as a hero, as he maintained his unbeaten record against Gor Mahia. Ambani famously helped Leopards secure their last league title in 1998.

Despite some fans attempting to force their way into the stadium, the majority remained peaceful supporting their respective sides creating an electric yet safe derby atmosphere.

The match served as a grand stage for players to showcase their talent and reaffirmed the 'Mashemeji' Derby’s place as Kenya’s biggest football rivalry.