Gor Mahia’s coach, Charles Akonnor, has apologised to the team’s fans for yesterday’s 1-0 loss to bitter rivals AFC Leopards in their Football Kenya Federation Premier League match at Nyayo National Stadium.
At the same time, the Ghanaian has urged his players to show more aggression in future matches, saying his team has to do better following defeat in the 98th instalment of “Mashemeji” derby.
His opposite number, Fred Ambani of AFC Leopards, revelled in the important victory, noting that the postponement of the match gave his players more time to prepare, an advantage they believe contributed to their triumph.
AFC Leopards fans in a carnival mood on the streets of Nairobi on their way to Nyayo National Stadium for the Mashemeji derby on December 7, 2025.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group
Forward Julius Masaba’s rebound in the 25th minute of the well-attended league match was all Leopards needed to claim the bragging rights in the derby. Leopards’ victory was well-deserved as they were the brighter side for the better part of the exchange.
“I am deeply sorry that we lost because this match meant a lot to me as a coach in my career,” said Akonnor. “The fact that we have lost, we don’t have any excuse. This is a match that meant a lot to both teams. In order to move on and be better, we have to try and win our next matches,” the former captain of Ghana’s national football team added. The loss compounded Gor’s woes, coming just after their 4-1 capitulation at the hands of newcomers APS Bomet.
K’Ogalo also missed the chance to reclaim their lead in the 18-team league and now remain second with 19 points from 10 matches, one point shy of Kenya Police, who have played the same number of matches.
Akonnor pointed to his midfield as the source of the team’s problems saying: “They are not aggressive enough to win the balls, and that is creating a lot of problems for us. What is important is for us to be aggressive, keep the ball and win. That is our style of play, and we don’t seem to be doing it.”
Bryton Onyona (right) of Gor Mahia tussles for the ball with Emmanuel Lwangu of AFC Leopards during the Mashemeji derby at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on December 7, 2025.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
With the victory, Leopards have now triumphed in 29 editions of “Mashemeji” derby, while Gor have won 33 wins. The other 36 meetings have ended in draws.
Yesterday’s victory is significant to Ambani since it maintains his unbeaten record in the derby. While turning out for Leopards as a player between 1997 and 2001, Ambani never lost a match to Gor. Last season as coach, he guided the team to 1-1 and 0-0 draws against Gor.
“It (not losing the derby) is something that has been part of me,” said an elated Ambani. “Anytime you are preparing a team for a derby, as a coach, make them understand the importance of this game to you, and them. That is what I have been doing,” he added. The former Kenya international explained that after the derby was postponed last week due to lack of a suitable venue, they used the time to prepare well.
Gor Mahia fans party on the streets of Nairobi as they head to Nyayo National Stadium for the Mashemeji derby on December 7, 2025.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group
“That postponement gave us more time to work on our undoing. We also extensively studied how Gor play, their strong and weak points,” he added, explaining that one of his key instructions heading into the match was for his players to follow up on shots, having noted that Gor’s goalkeeper Byrne Odhiambo is notorious for parrying shots. And it paid off, as Masaba scored after Odhiambo had punched away Tyson Odhiambo’s shot. Masaba could not hold his joy for scoring the all-important goal. He explained his wild celebration, which included kicking the ball to fans.
Ebenezer Adukwa (left) controls the ball as Musa Oundo of AFC Leopards closes in during the Mashemeji derby at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on December 7, 2025.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
“It was my first goal of the season. I can’t believe it. I feel good, but it is as a result of hard work, belief from the coach,” the winger said.
Being the first derby since the demise of Gor‘s former patron, the late Raila Odinga , on October 15, K’Ogalo players continued to honour him - stepping on to the pitch with t-shirts emblazoned with his image.
A minute of silence was also observed in honour of the veteran politician before the match’s kick-off.
When the referee blew the final whistle, a sea of blue erupted in ecstasy.
