Mashemeji Derby: AFC Leopards vs Gor Mahia Match Postponed Again by FKF

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has postponed the eagerly awaited first round of the Premier League Mashemeji derby for the second time this season, involving the fierce rivals AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia.

“FKF deeply regrets to inform fans that the FKF Premier League derby between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia, initially scheduled for Sunday, has been postponed,” read part of the FKF statement.

“The postponement is due to the designated home team’s failure to secure an adequate venue for the highly anticipated match. Both Nyayo Stadium and Kasarani, which are usually the main venues for such significant fixtures, are unavailable as they are undergoing renovations in preparation for the 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament set for August.”

Although no new dates have been provided for the match, the statement added: “We understand the disappointment for fans, players, and everyone else looking forward to the event; however, we are committed to ensuring that it takes place under suitable conditions. A new date will be announced in due course. We appreciate your patience and understanding.”

Initially slated for November 24th, 2024, the first round meeting was also postponed earlier for similar reasons.

The only venues available for hosting the fixture, Nyayo and Kasarani, are currently undergoing extensive renovations. With Kenya preparing to co-host the 2024 CHAN and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), both facilities are being upgraded.

During a recent inspection visit by a team from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), only Nyayo Stadium was certified to host Kenya’s national team, Harambee Stars, for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Gabon on March 22nd. This ruling was made to assess Nyayo Stadium’s readiness for hosting CHAN.

Due to the renovations at Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums, Harambee Stars have been unable to utilise these venues. The last time Kenya played a home match was on September 12th, 2023, a friendly that ended in a 1-0 defeat to South Sudan.

Calls for Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards to Own Stadiums

The recent development has sparked a mixed response among supporters of both clubs, with many urging them to stop relying on government facilities and instead invest in their own stadiums.

“Look at Tanzania, just across the border – Azam FC, which is younger than AFC or Gor Mahia, already has its own stadium. Young Africans (Yanga SC) and Simba SC are building theirs. Why can’t Kenyan clubs, especially Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, follow suit? It’s quite shameful,” one fan noted.

On social media, Peter Kanga commented: “Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards need their own stadiums; they’re a disgrace to football in our country. Even a smaller club like Murang’a Seal has its own venue.”

Michael Wekesa argued that both clubs should face consequences for lacking their own facilities: “It’s incredibly disappointing that the so-called biggest teams in Kenya haven’t had their own stadiums for decades. They should be held accountable.” Meanwhile, Wangira Juma added: “It’s time for Kenyan clubs to start investing in the development of their own stadiums.”

Jesse Jorge expressed frustration with the football administration in the country, stating: “It’s 2025, and we’re still facing venue availability issues… What is wrong with those managing football in this country? Unless we address the bureaucracy, impunity, and corruption, we’ll be stagnant for future generations.”

Gor Mahia has had the upper hand in recent derbies, with Ingwe often needing to catch up. Records indicate that in the last six encounters, Ingwe has managed only one win against K’Ogalo.

Last season, it was K’Ogalo that enjoyed the bragging rights, achieving a double over their rivals. In the first-round match, Gor Mahia won 2-0 and followed it up with a 1-0 victory in the second round, culminating in their record 21st league title.

Tusker Miss Chance to Claim Top Spot

In other news, Tusker missed a golden opportunity to overtake Kenya Police FC at the summit of the 18-team league table, settling for a 1-1 draw against a determined Shabana side at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Wednesday, February 26th.

A victory would have lifted the Brewers one point clear of the law enforcers, but it was Shabana who struck first in the 32nd minute through their new acquisition, Keith Imbuli.

Despite this setback, Tusker kept searching for an equaliser, which finally came in the 90th minute when Eric Balecho salvaged a point by sneaking behind the Shabana defenders and goalkeeper to head in a throw-in from George Kaddu.

This draw leaves Tusker in second place with 40 points, just one behind Police, with both teams having played 22 matches. Tusker has recorded 11 wins, seven draws, and four defeats, while Police boasts 11 wins, eight draws, and three losses.