Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards share spoils in 'Mashemeji' derby
AFC Leopards' Ovella Ochieng (left) evades a challenge from Joseph Odhiambo of Gor Mahia during their Football Kenya Federation Premier League match at Nyayo National Stadium on March 30, 2025.
What you need to know:
- Leopards dominated the first half of the contest, creating more attacking opportunities and pushing Gor Mahia onto the back foot. However, despite their dominance, they failed to convert their chances, allowing Gor to remain in the contest.
- With both teams settling for a point, the stage is now set for an explosive return leg next weekend.
Just as he had vowed, AFC Leopards coach Fred Ambani maintained his unbeaten record in the 'Mashemeji' Derby, guiding Ingwe to a hard-fought 0-0 draw against arch-rivals Gor Mahia at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.
Leopards were the designated hosts for the first leg of this season’s derby—the 96th meeting between the two sides—while Gor Mahia will host the return leg at the same venue next Sunday.
Having never lost a 'Mashemeji' Derby during his playing days for Leopards between 1997 and 2001, Ambani made it clear to his squad that defeat was not an option.
“I have informed them (Leopards’ players) that I have played the derby before and I never lost to Gor. So if I never lost as a player, I cannot lose as a coach,” said Ambani in the pre-match press conference on Friday.
True to his words, Ingwe put up a spirited fight, securing a share of the spoils against K’Ogalo. In fact, just like Gor, they could have bagged maximum points had they capitalized on their numerous scoring chances.
AFC Leopards' Maxwell Otieno (right) vies for the ball with Gor Mahia's Levin Opiyo during their Football Kenya Federation Premier League match at Nyayo National Stadium on March 30, 2025.
In their previous 95 encounters, Gor Mahia have won 33 times, while Leopards have claimed 28 victories, with 34 matches ending in draws. In their last 10 meetings, Gor have won six, Leopards just one, and the remaining three ended in stalemates.
Gor Mahia fans celebrate in the streets of Nairobi ahead of the Mashemeji Derby at Nyayo National Stadium on March 30, 2025.
Ingwe’s last victory over K’Ogalo came on May 14, 2023, when they triumphed 2-1. Last season, Gor Mahia dominated both legs, winning 2-0 and 1-0.
The highly anticipated clash drew thousands of passionate fans, creating an electrifying atmosphere at Nyayo Stadium. Supporters donned their teams' traditional colors—blue and white for Leopards, green and white for Gor—while blowing vuvuzelas and whistles to cheer on their sides.
However, the buildup to the match was marred by chaos as police were forced to fire several rounds of teargas to disperse unruly fans attempting to force their way into the stadium. Despite the efforts to restore order, some supporters still managed to enter without having their tickets checked.
The chaotic scenes mirrored last Sunday’s incident at the same venue when Kenya hosted Gabon in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Leopards dominated the first half of the contest, creating more attacking opportunities and pushing Gor Mahia onto the back foot. However, despite their dominance, they failed to convert their chances, allowing Gor to remain in the contest.
With both teams settling for a point, the stage is now set for an explosive return leg next weekend.