Going into the 98th Mashemeji derby between Kenya’s most successful clubs in the league’s history, AFC Leopards were yet to beat their rivals in the last four meetings. The last time Ingwe managed to beat K’Ogalo was during the first meeting of the 2023 campaign when they secured a 2-1 win.
Being the home team for the first meeting of the season, Gor Mahia went into the matchday 10 fixture seeking to extend their recent good run of results against their sworn nemesis.
Having been topped from the top of the 18-team FKF Premier League table by defending champions Kenya Police FC, Gor Mahia were also keen to regain their lead with a straight victory.
Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor, who was taking charge of his first Kenyan derby, did not take any chances, as the Ghanaian legend paraded his strongest possible side with the starting XI consisting of four Kenya national team Harambee Stars regulars.
Goalkeeper Bryne Omondi was one of the players who shone for Kenya during the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament which was co-hosted in East Africa. Others who started for Gor Mahia include defender Sylvester Owino, Michael Kibwage, and midfielder Austin Odhiambo.
AFC Leopards got off to a flyer
Meanwhile, AFC Leopards coach Fred Ambani, who was yet to lose in this derby either as a player or a coach, named an unchanged side from their last assignment against Kariobangi Sharks with regulars James Kinyanjui, Bonface Munyendo, Tyson Otieno, and Victor Omune keeping their respective roles up front.
AFC Leopards were the first to get off the blocks as Omune’s long range drive from outside the area went over the bar. Gor Mahia responded with a chance of their own when Odhiambo exchanged passes with Kibwage, but AFC Leopards defender Randi Bakari reacted quickly to make a superb block.
The game remained a balanced affair until the 25th minute when AFC Leopards took the lead against the run of play. A delivery from Bakari found the unmarked Julius Masaba, who turned around, amidst a crowd of Gor Mahia players, before tapping the ball into an empty net.
The goal stunned Gor Mahia and they almost drew level five minutes later but Kibwage glanced his effort wide. As the hour mark approached, AFC Leopards looked to have dominated Gor Mahia in all aspects, with the record Kenyan champions only resorting for long balls to try and unsettle their opponents.
Just like they did in the first half, AFC Leopards started the second period on an upper hand, and almost doubled their lead in the 47th minute. Tyson Otieno spotted the unmarked Mousa Oundo but the latter’s powerful header ratted the woodwork before rolling out to the delight of Gor Mahia fans.
In the 57th minute, Ambani made a double change with Brian Wanyama coming in for Emmanuel Lwangu while Tyson Otieno was benched for Brian Nyongesa. Meanwhile, in the 66th minute, Kennedy Owino was brought in for Kayci Odhiambo.
Police register sixth win
Police secured a hard-fought 1-0 win against Kariobangi Sharks at Police Sacco Stadium. The law enforcers were forced to wait until the second half to score what turned out to be the winner. Kenya defender Aboud Omar scored a sumptuous free-kick from outside the area in the 55th minute.
Omar stepped up to unleash a curled left-footed effort which hit the top right corner. Police held on to register their sixth win of the campaign.
Elsewhere, Shabana jumped to fourth on the log following a 1-0 home win against Bidco United.
Striker Mark Okola scored the lone goal via a penalty in the 55th minute to hand the Kisii-based Glamour Boys their fifth win of the campaign. Shabana have accumulated 18 points from 11 matches. In another fixture, Dennis Oalo’s first half penalty secured three vital points for Tusker FC in a 1-0 win over Ulinzi Stars.
Oalo converted from the spot after Curtis Wekesa was hacked down inside the box to ensure the Brewers collected back to back wins. Wekesa was brought down when he raced to a Thomas Omolle cut back, the winger having done well to beat the goalkeeper.
