AFC Leopards won the first leg of this season’s Mashemeji derby as they got the better of their rivals at Nyayo National StadiumJulius Masaba was the difference-maker between the two sides as Gor Mahia chased shadows in the entire gameGor Mahia have now lost their top spot in the league after the defending champions, Kenya Police, beat Kariobangi Sharks on SaturdayJulius Masaba scored the only goal of the game as AFC Leopards beat Gor Mahia in the Mashemeji derby on Sunday afternoon.
Julius Masaba scored the only goal of the game in the Mashemeji derby. Photo credit: AFC Leopards.
Source: FacebookThe 98th edition of the biggest game on Kenyan soil went the way of the Blue Corner in a nearly packed Nyayo National Stadium.
Gor Mahia vs AFC Leopards starting line-upsAfter the 4-1 loss to APS Bomet, where he made a raft of changes, Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor reverted to his usual starting XI.
Sylvester Owino partnered Mike Kibwage at centre-back with Enock Morrison just ahead of them. Shariff Musa, Felix Oluoch and Ghanaian import Ebenezer Adu Kwaw were preferred upfront.
Fred Ambani, meanwhile, started with Tyson Otieno, Austin Odhiambo’s older brother, just behind the captain Victor Omune.
Ingwe were the better side in the first half, with Julius Masaba having a glorious chance inside the first two minutes, but he overran the ball.
Otieno dominated proceedings, running rings around the Gor Mahia players. He eventually forced the breakthrough after his initial shot was parried away by Bryne Odhiambo in the 26th minute, only to fall kindly on the path of Masaba for an easy tap-in.
AFC Leopards had a chance to double their lead before halftime, but Omune’s header from a James Kinyanjui cross failed to find the target.
Down the other end, Shariff Musa looked the most dangerous player with his pacy runs, but he lacked the finishing touches needed.
After the break, Akonnor hooked off Fidel Origa and brought on Alpha Onyango as he sought to wrestle back control in the middle of the pack.
Leopards almost got a second, but Musa Oundo failed to score with an empty net gaping in front of him after Bryne had failed to deal with Otieno’s corner.
AFC Leopards won the Mashemeji derby on December 7, 2025. Photo credit: AFC Leopards.
Source: FacebookAustine set up Shariff inside the area, but the number 7 fluffed his lines again as his tame effort was saved by Katasi in the Ingwe goal.
Akonnor made another change, withdrawing the subdued Kwaw for Essombe, but Leopards stood firm, denying their rivals a clear run on goal.
Ambani was forced to make a couple of changes due to injuries. Otieno and Kayci Odhiambo went off for Brian Nyongesa and Kennedy Owino.
In the 83rd minute, Austine had another half-chance but didn’t connect with the ball well. Akonnor rolled the dice one more time, taking off Paul Ochuoga, a defender, for a more offensive player in Ben Stanley.
Shariff missed the best chance of the entire game in stoppage time after his shot sailed just over the bar.
Gor Mahia coach reacts to derby defeatSpeaking after the game, Akonnor admitted that his side didn’t do enough to win the game.
“The opponents were determined and aggressive, winning all the second balls. We were not committed enough. We didn’t do enough to win the game.”The result saw the Green Army cede their top spot after Kenya Police beat Kariobangi Sharks a day earlier. Police now lead with 20 points, one ahead of Gor Mahia. AFC Leopards are up to 17 points in sixth place.
Gor Mahia fans visit Raila Odinga’s graveIn a different report, Gor Mahia fans visited the grave of Raila Odinga at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi.
Raila, who served as Gor Mahia’s patron, died on October 15 in India.
A seat was set aside for Raila during the Mashemeji derby as the club continues to remember and pay tribute to their patron.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
