History is on the horizon as the 98th edition of the Mashemeji Derby, Kenya’s most followed club football match, pitting arch rivals AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia, will be staged as a double header at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at the Nyayo National Stadium.

For the first time in the Mashemeji Derby history, the main event pitting the men’s sides will be preceded by the match involving the ladies’ teams, AFC Leopardess and Gor Mahia Queens.

Confirming the new development, Gor Mahia vice chairperson Sally Bolo said on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, via her social media pages, urging Gor Mahia supporters to turn up in their numbers at Nyayo Stadium and rally behind both the men’s and ladies’ teams.

Double header

”Ladies and gentlemen, this Sunday, 7th December, Nyayo Stadium becomes the home of passion, pride and pure football energy as the Mashemeji Derby Double Header rolls in. We kick off with the queens of the game, Gor Mahia Queens vs AFC Leopardess, at 12:00 PM. If you think the men bring fire, just wait until you see the ladies deliver premium football and premium heartbreak,” her statement read in part.

The football administrator and enthusiast also sent a warning to the Ingwe family, predicting that Fred Ambani and his charges will be taught a bitter lesson by Charles Akonnor and his men in the historic fixture.

Previous meeting

The Mashemeji Derby was previously held at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay on June 2, 2025, a match that ended in a 1-1 draw. That occasion marked the first time the derby was played outside Nairobi.

”Gor Mahia vs AFC Leopards. Another classic chapter of Kenya’s oldest rivalry. This is where noise meets history, where pride meets performance, and where we remind our neighbours that bragging rights are settled inside the 90 minutes, not on Twitter,” Bolo said.

The upcoming match was initially scheduled for Saturday, November 29, 2025, in Nairobi but was postponed and moved to a new date and venue due to stadium unavailability.