Mashemeji clash for 91st time
The 91st Mashemeji derby is set for this Sunday and already warring cries from both Gor Mahia FC and AFC Leopards fans are palpable.
Hosts K’Ogalo were banned by Sports Stadia Management Board (SSMB) in late February after fans’ trouble saw the match against visiting Vihiga Bullets at Kasarani Stadium called off in the second half.
Gor Mahia stewards stormed the pitch as the second half was about to begin prompting Vihiga Bullets team to abandon the match over insecurity fears.
As a result, SSMB banned the 19 times league champions from using either Nyayo Stadium or Kasarani Stadium for an indefinite period.
With Kisumu’s Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo temporarily closed due to the forthcoming Africities Conference preparations, Thika Stadium and Machakos’ Kenyatta Stadium are the probable alternatives for the age-old rival’s clash.
Away from the match dynamics, this match as usual holds huge importance as it is all about pride between the two giants. In their 23 meetings dating back to 2011, Gor Mahia has 13 wins,7 draws and 3 losses. Both teams’ coaches are exuding confidence in winning the match although they have raised concerns about officiating the match.
Gor Mahia who tied 0-0 with Kariobangi Sharks FC on Labour Day had their German tactician Andreas Spier upset about some decisions made during the duel.
His counterpart Patrick Aussems of Leopards also two weeks ago castigated match officials when they played against defending champions Tusker FC where they lost 2-1.
The two coaches are now focusing on the biggest match of the season where the first leg ended in a 1-0 win in favour of Gor Mahia courtesy of a Boniface Omondi strike.
Good match
Coach Spier who spoke after their match with Sharks said his team was eager to trounce Leopards and urged fans to turn up in large numbers. K’Ogalo are currently on 46 points while Ingwe are 10th on the log with 38 points.
“We are looking forward to Sunday and I hope our fans turn up in large numbers to support us. It will be a good match and I hope our fans also behave. It is nice to see them on the stands again and it is encouraging. The players are eager and ready for the clash because we want to continue moving up. Despite the prevailing circumstances, we had a successful season in the height of pandemic challenges and player transfer ban,” he said.
Coach Aussems warned his charges that the recent 2-1 win over last season’s runners-up KCB should not blindfold them and that their focus must be on winning the Mashemeji derby.
