The 93rd Mashemeji Derby.
The first leg of the Kenya Premier League’s top rivalry match is set for 29-1-2023 | SUNDAY | 15:00 EAT and will be staged at the Nyayo National Stadium as AFC LEOPARDS play host to GOR MAHIA. Gor and Leopards are Kenya’s most popular clubs and matches between them are considered to be one of the most fiercely contested in East-Africa.
Mashemeji is literally a mockery between the two meaning ‘in-laws’ with the Derby acquiring the name owing to the close cultural ties between the Luhya, whose majority support Afc Leopards, and Luo who are predominantly Gor Mahia supporters.
The last time the two met was during the commemoration of the 53rd Madaraka Day last year and Gor Mahia won 6-5 on post-match penalties to win the Cup after a 1-1 draw in regular time at the same venue.
Goŕ Mahia have over time possed to be favourites as they have won most of the derbies with Afc Leopards posing only a draw as best result. This has been pushing K’ogalo fanatics to keep asking Ingwe fanatics when they will ever get a win over them. Will this be the moment ? In the last five derbies Gor Mahia have won 4, we have witnessed only 1 draw with Afc Leopards not enjoying any win .
Afc Leopards are currently on a good form especially after roaring in Mbaraki and clawing Bandari Fc and later came back to the city and again clawed Police Fc at Nyayo Stadium. Are the two tough wins a confidence to go by into the derby ? They are currently placed 7th on the log. Afc Leopards form in the last five fuxtures LLWWW.
Ingwe’s top man Ojo Olaniyi has netted in 5 goals so far. We look forward to him leading the Leopard again on Sunday in the top clash.
Gor Mahia on the other hand are also trading on a top form. They are coming from a 3:1 win over Vihiga Bullets Fc and again a 3:0 hit over Fc Talanta in their midweek harvest. They are placed 4th on the log . Gor mahia form in the last five matches WWDWW. Will they continue their dominance over their arch-rivals ?
K’ogallo’s top man Benson Ochieng Omalla has been blazing fire bursting the net instantly. He is currently on 10 goals with hunger to score more. He might again be the one leading K’ogallo on Sunday.
Will Afc Leopards break the dominance this time ?
The success of the two teams sees Gor Mahia with 19 Premier League titles making them more succesful over Afc Leopards who have 12 titles with the last one won in 1998.