Battle lines are expected to be drawn in the 96th Mashemeji Derby between Kenya’s perennial giants Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday 14th May 2023.
This will be their second encounter this year after a barren draw in January and Afc Leorpards are on to pressure to register maximum points as they have not beaten Gor Mahia in their last seven matches with the best result against their rivals coming in the 1-1 draw in the first leg of the 2017-18 season.
Gor Mahia are currently on top of the FKF Premier League two points ahead of second place Tusker, and they are keen to get their best result to maintain the top spot.
AFC Leopards assistant coach Tom Juma has expressed hope that are ready and will not be surprised to carry the day on Sunday.
Both sets of fans have been urged to turn up in large numbers to grace the second leg of the derby with both sides aspiring a win on Sunday.
Mashemeji is literally a moniker meaning ‘in-laws with the Derby acquiring the name owing to the close cultural ties between the Luhya – whose majority support Leopards, and Luo who are predominantly Gor supporters.
Both clubs have had trouble with their fans, who have always registered their anger with confrontations which at times lead to Police lobbying tear gas to disperse them.
A win for Gor will prompt them a head to safe top spot while a win for Leopards will push them upto 6th place.
