AFC Leopards coach Fred Ambani has reiterated the importance of a winning result in the weekend Mashemeji Derby against arch-rivals Gor Mahia this Sunday, March 30, 2025.

The two sides will meet at Nyayo National Stadium for the anticipated showdown, with the former national team striker revealing their intent of toppling their nemesis and consolidating their quest for the title.

“If we can get a win against Gor Mahia, we will have our push for the league title moving within reach, because Gor Mahia is also among the teams laying hunt for it. When you beat a side that is top there and in contention, you not only reduce the gap but also the more you enhance your chances to clinch the league too,” Ambani said in a press conference held on Friday ahead of the clash.

After two postponements of Kenya’s most-watched football match over a suitable match venue, the Mashemeji derby showdown will highlight the return of the Football Kenya Premier League ties this weekend with the clash on Sunday.

Leopards, who will be the home side, will fancy the chance to make ground against Sinisa Mihic’s charges with a win set to reduce the gap between them to only one point.

Ingwe, however, faces an uphill task in that regard, having endured a poor run in recent clashes pitting them against Gor Mahia.

Ambani is, however, not dwelling on the existing point gap, emphasizing the team’s capacity to close the gap. 

“We have been in a conversation with the players about the point gap. I have told them that if they can win their games and those ahead of us falter by any chance, then the point difference is nothing,” he said.

Meanwhile, Leopards winger Cliffton Miheso dismissed the notion that the match-up would be any different as he backed his teammates to rise to the occasion.

Speaking on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, Miheso, who ranks among the team’s leadership figures, expressed confidence in getting a performance.

“The team spirit is high. We know there is pressure on the part of our fans, but we will be ready to take it up and deal with it as players. It is our responsibility. All of Leopard’s games are usually pressure-laden games, and we just have to rise to it and try our best to perform in such conditions,” he said.

The winger’s sentiments were echoed by Leopards vice skipper Victor Omune, who has admitted to the demanding nature of the derby ties.

“The derby comes with its own levels of pressure. It is not a normal game like the rest and needs a different approach in some aspect of its own. It is, however, a very important fixture in this country, and we look forward to it,” Omune said.

Derby Statistics

Heading to the clash, Leopards will be eager to make a case in the derby and put an end to a spate of winless runs against Gor Mahia.

In the previous meeting pitting the two, Ingwe has managed only a single win in the past three seasons of the KPL league. The team’s last win came in May 2023 in a 2-1 win.