Mashemeji Derby: AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia Share Spoils in Lacklustre Draw

Long-standing rivals AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia delivered a lacklustre 0-0 draw in the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League Mashemeji Derby at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.

Marketed as the marquee clash of the Kenyan top-flight season, neither team could manage a goal, with K’Ogalo suffering the worst of the outcome, missing the chance to narrow the gap on league leaders Kenya Police FC and Tusker in the 18-team competition.

As the home side, Ingwe’s head coach Fred Ambani chose an attacking lineup featuring goalkeeper Levis Opiyo, while the defence comprised stalwarts Lewis Bandi, Semo Samuel, Randi Bakari, and Mousa Oundo.

The midfield was led by young talent Kaycie Odhiambo, alongside Boniface Kweyu and former Gor Mahia player Ovella Ochieng. Upfront, Maxwell Otieno provided support to strikers Kelly Okonji and Beja Hassan.

For Gor Mahia, the record champions’ midfielder Austin Odhiambo started on the bench following his recovery from injury. In goal, Gad Mathew retained his position, shielded by Alphonse Omija, and captain Geoffrey Ochieng, with coach Sinisa Mihic surprisingly relegating Philemon Otieno to the bench. Joshua Onyango began on the right wing.

Midfield duties for Gor Mahia were handled by Lawrence Juma and Morrison Enoch, supported by winger Alpha Onyango. Musa Sheriff assisted strikers Paul Ochuoga and Gedeon Bendeka.

Heading into the match, Ingwe had secured two victories from their previous five league games alongside three draws, defeating Nairobi City Stars 1-0 and Mara Sugar 2-1, while managing draws against Kariobangi Sharks, Sofapaka, and Kenya Police FC, all finishing 0-0.

K’Ogalo, conversely, had achieved three wins from their last five encounters, drawing twice. Their wins were against Mathare United (2-1), Kariobangi Sharks (3-1), and Bandari (2-0), with identical 0-0 results against Tusker and Bidco United.

In recent derbies, Gor Mahia had the upper hand, with Ingwe struggling to keep pace. Prior to this match, the last six encounters had seen Ingwe secure only one win against K’Ogalo.

Last season, K’Ogalo sealed the bragging rights, achieving a double over their opponents and taking wins by 2-0 and 1-0 in their two encounters, on their way to clinching a record 21st league title.

In 2023, the initial meeting between the two teams ended in a 0-0 draw, but Ingwe turned the tables in the second fixture, winning 2-1 and breaking their 10-match winless streak against the champions. Gor Mahia triumphed 1-0 in their first meeting in the 2021 season, with the return match concluding in a draw.

During the 2019 campaign, Gor Mahia dominated, routing Ingwe 3-1 in the first round before a 4-1 victory in the second round to complete a memorable double.

Slow Start to the 96th Mashemeji Derby

With a significant gap since their last clash, the derby commenced slowly, as players approached the match with caution. The opening 10 minutes produced little in terms of meaningful chances.

The best opportunity of the game for Gor Mahia came in the 14th minute, when Musa, unmarked at the far post, had his right-footed shot saved by keeper Opiyo. K’Ogalo maintained possession, but Morrison squandered a critical chance in the 23rd minute, missing the goal from a prime position.

Finally, in the 35th minute, Ingwe registered their first significant attack on K’Ogalo’s goal. Semo’s impressive solo run down the left wing culminated in a cross to Ovella Ochieng, whose attempt flew over the bar with the Gor Mahia keeper out of his goal.

As the half approached its conclusion, Ingwe pressed forward again, but their attack was thwarted by Gor Mahia. They countered quickly, only to see Mousa Oundo receive the first yellow card of the match for a risky challenge from behind.

The second half began similarly to the first, with both teams exhibiting caution. In a bid to inject fresh energy into his team, Ingwe coach Ambani substituted Ovella Ochieng for Victor Otieno and brought in Ronald Shichenje for Maxwell Otieno.

Another attempt to shake things up saw Ambani make further substitutions, bringing on Victor Omune and Kevin Kimani for Beja Hassan and Kelly Madada, but the derby continued to lack excitement, ultimately finishing in a goalless draw before a crowded Nyayo Stadium.

Kenya Police Edge Past Posta Rangers, Tusker and Shabana Secure Wins

At Gusii Stadium, Shabana FC maintained their solid home form with a 3-0 victory over struggling Murang’a Seal. Ezekiel Omuri opened the scoring for Tore Bobe in the 23rd minute, giving them a 1-0 lead at halftime.

The second half saw Austine Odongo net a brace, scoring in the 46th and 56th minutes to deliver Kisii-based Glamour Boys their ninth win of the season.

Kenya Police remained at the top of the 16-team table with a narrow 1-0 victory, thanks to a goal from Harambee Stars starlet Mohammed Bajaber in the second half.

Meanwhile, at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, Tusker scraped a hard-fought 1-0 win against Bidco United. After a goalless first half, the Brewers came out strong in the second period and found the back of the net through forward Deogratious Ojok, who scored with a well-placed shot from outside the box in the 70th minute. Despite their dominance, Tusker failed to capitalise on a red card issued to Bidco’s Jacob Onyango, leaving the score at 1-0 as the match ended.

In Mombasa, Bandari triumphed over Ulinzi Stars with a 2-1 scoreline at Mbaraki Sports Club, while Kariobangi Sharks secured an important point in their battle against relegation by drawing 0-0 against Nairobi City.