In the past decade, the Mashemeji Derby has only been witnessed in the Football Kenya Federation Cup final once, with Peter Pinchez Opiyo proving to be the match-winner in the 2013 edition to secure victory for AFC Leopards.Opiyo netted in the 53rd minute with his strike enough to settle the derby and deliver the cup for AFC Leopards to soothe their heartache after narrowly missing the league title to their arch-rivals Gor Mahia that season. Speaking to Mozzart Sport, Pinchez insisted that form is usually thrown out of the window in a derby clash but noted that Gor Mahia packs the punch to clinch the cup.🟢 | MATCH DAY We pray for the best… 🙏🙏#Sirkal | #Betsafe pic.twitter.com/zNPTHdYzwG— ⚽️GOR MAHIA FC (@OfficialGMFC) July 4, 2021 “Both teams are blowing hot and cold, the Derby does not recognize form because everybody brings their A-game but I see Gor Mahia carrying the day because they have an upper hand,”“If you look at Gor’s league run they have strung a number of wins while AFC have been on a rough patch but as I said earlier form does not really matter. Players like Miheso and Muguna can make a difference anytime,” said Pinchez.The midfielder who currently turns out for Nairobi City Stars had his goal haunt Gor Mahia as he turned out for K’Ogalo two seasons before as he made the switch to Tusker FC in 2012 then joined Ingwe a season later. The 28-year-old opened up on the feeling of scoring in a cup final but could not decide which between his stint with Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards he enjoyed the most. MATCHDAY #FKFCupFinals #OursForever #INGWE pic.twitter.com/qpwlT5ap1U— AFC Leopards (@AFCLeopards) July 4, 2021 “It’s a really great feeling, when you go into the match you never know you are the one who is going to make the difference especially if you are a player that does not score regularly because there is a lot at stake, continental football, the cup and prize money,”“I enjoyed playing for both teams because when I played for Gor I was still young and helped me realize my talent as I got a national team call up and when I played for AFC we had a really good run so I cannot really pick one club that I enjoyed the most,” added Pinchez.The 2021 final is slated for Sunday 4 July at the Nyayo Stadium at 3 PM.
