Photo Courtesy// Fanaka Studios
AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia played out a tense 0-0 draw in the highly anticipated 96th edition of the Mashemeji Derby at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday evening. The clash, which drew a massive crowd, saw both teams display resilience, determination, and moments of brilliance, yet neither side could find the breakthrough.
With both teams returning to this fixture after a long gap, the match began cautiously. The opening 10 minutes saw both sides prioritizing possession rather than attacking intent. However, Gor Mahia gradually grew into the game and created the first real chance in the 14th minute. Shariff Musa, unmarked at the far post, forced AFC Leopards’ goalkeeper Levis Opiyo into a crucial save.
K’Ogalo maintained dominance in possession, and in the 23rd minute, Ghanaian forward Bernard Morrison squandered a golden opportunity to put his side ahead. With the goal at his mercy, Morrison failed to find the net, much to the relief of the Ingwe faithful.
Despite Gor Mahia’s early control, AFC Leopards slowly found their rhythm. In the 35th minute, Boniface Kweyu and Samuel Semo combined brilliantly on the left flank, with Semo delivering a pinpoint cross to Ovella Ochieng. However, Ochieng’s effort sailed over the bar despite Gor Mahia’s goalkeeper Gad Mathews being off his line.
Just before halftime, AFC Leopards launched another promising attack, only for Gor Mahia to intercept and hit back with a quick counter. Their break was halted by Mousa Oundo’s last-ditch tackle, earning him the first yellow card of the game.
Second Half Intensity But No Goals
The second half mirrored the first, with both teams approaching the game cautiously. Leopards coach Fred Ambani made key substitutions, bringing on Victor Otieno and Ronald Shichenje to inject fresh energy. Gor Mahia responded with tactical changes of their own, pushing forward in search of a winner.
Gor Mahia had a great opportunity in the 55th minute when Alphonse Omija’s cross found Musa, but his header went wide. At the other end, Sichenje’s 75th-minute header narrowly missed the target for AFC Leopards.
Ultimately, both teams shared the spoils in an intense yet goalless encounter. While Gor Mahia will be relieved to avoid defeat, AFC Leopards will feel they had the better chances to win. The draw keeps both sides in contention as they shift focus to the remaining league fixtures.
