Kenya’s most successful football clubs, Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, have learned the dates of the 98th Mashemeji Derby, pitting the two Football Kenya Federation Premier League bigwigs in the new season.

According to the released 2025/2026 FKF Premier League fixtures, the sides will renew their rivalry in the highly anticipated clash on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at the newly renovated Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

This famous encounter is the country’s oldest and most passionate football rivalry, dating back to May 5, 1968, when Gor Mahia triumphed in the inaugural clash. Since then, the fixture has been a battle for bragging rights, city dominance, and league positioning.

The numbers behind the rivalry

Over the decades, Gor Mahia have edged their rivals with 33 wins, compared to AFC Leopards’ 28, alongside 34 draws in 95 meetings. Recent history heavily favors K’Ogalo, who have won eight of the last nine league derbies. Leopards’ only win in that run came in May 2023, ending a nine-year drought.

Recent Highlights

October 2023: Gor Mahia sealed a 2–0 win at Kasarani, with Benson Omalla netting both goals.

April 2024: Austin Odhiambo’s lone strike earned K’Ogalo a narrow 1–0 victory. On March 30, 2025, the two sides battled to a goalless draw at Nyayo National Stadium after several venue reschedules caused by stadium renovations while the last fixture ended in a 1-1 draw in Homa Bay.

Gor Mahia enter the clash in commanding form after making significant signings, including Harambee Stars defender Mike Kibwage, goalkeeper Bryne Omondi and right back Lewis Bandi, while Leopards are desperate to end their prolonged derby frustration with minimal signings recorded at the den so far.

Meanwhile, according to the match schedule revealed by FKF on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, Gor Mahia will open their quest to recapture the league title at home against Bidco United on Sunday, September 21, 2025. The clash will be staged at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and will kick off at 4:00 pm.

On their part, former champions AFC Leopards will get their campaign underway on Saturday, September 20, 2025, against Ezekiel Akwana’s Sofapaka.

The second leg of this season’s Mashemeji Derby will be played on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at the Nyayo National Stadium.