Key stats ahead of Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards 98th Mashemeji Derby edition
By Joel Masibo, December 3, 2025The 98th Mashemeji Derby between fierce rivals in the Kenyan Premier League, Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, to be staged on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at the Nyayo National Stadium, promises fireworks.
While this historic clash is often tense, tactical and fiercely contested, there have been moments when caution was thrown out the window, and goals flowed freely. However, the Mashemeji Derby has rarely produced five or more goals in the years the famous fixture has been honoured.
February 22, 1975 – Gor Mahia 5–1 AFC Leopards
The first derby in which either team scored more than two goals, and Gor Mahia did it in style at City Stadium. AFC Leopards, then Abaluhya, had missed the previous league season, and their return was anything but pleasant.
Laban Otieno delivered the only Mashemeji Derby hat-trick to date, with Maurice ‘Ole Tunda’ Ouma and Francis ‘Power’ Mudany adding to the tally. Vincent Mwenje scored Leopards’ lone consolation.
August 2, 1986 – Gor Mahia 2–3 AFC Leopards
Derbies had remained cagey for years until this explosive afternoon at City Stadium. The legendary Sammy Onyango ‘Jogoo’ struck twice for Gor, but a brace from Dan Musuku and another from Patrick Shim handed Leopards the win.
This result sparked internal accusations of sabotage and the suspension of several K’Ogalo players. It also strengthened the myth that once Jogoo scored, no one else would score for Gor in the derby.
February 1, 2003 – Gor Mahia 2–3 AFC Leopards
Both clubs were going through difficult periods, but the derby still delivered drama. Goals from Patrick Oyiengo and Emmanuel Wakata kept us in the fight, but Leopards edged it with strikes from Dickson Analo, Ramadhan Balala, and Ahmed Farid.
February 28, 2009 – Gor Mahia 3–2 AFC Leopards
After two seasons in the second tier, AFC Leopards returned to the top flight and were welcomed back with a thriller at Kasarani.
A Zablon ‘Pro’ Otieno strike, a Habil Otieno goal, and an own goal secured victory for K’Ogalo.
November 10, 2019 – Gor Mahia 4–1 AFC Leopards
Gor Mahia’s fifth derby win in a row came emphatically. A brilliant brace from Gnamien Gisle Yipké, supported by goals from Clifton Miheso and Lawrence Juma, delivered the side’s second-highest derby scoreline.
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.
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.