The friendly Mashemeji Derby played at the Nyayo National Stadium on Wednesday evening in celebration of the country’s 59th Madaraka day was truly a spectacle that lived up to the proverbial good old days.From fans thronging the stadium and creating an electric atmosphere with their juogi awakening chants to both sets of players really giving the game the reverence it so deserves. True to the day, the game was liberating.And so after an exciting 1-1 stalemate in normal time, where Austin Odhiambo had forced the game into penalties after cancelling out Collins Shivachi’s first half strike, record Kenyan champions K’Ogalo ended up on the winning side after old boy Austin slotted the last winning penalty that delivered the victory, bragging rights and the 1 million cash prize money. Here are the player ratings for the match.Austin Odhiambo returns to haunt Ingwe as K’Ogalo lift Madaraka Day CupGor MahiaGad Mathew – 5Remained largely untested for a majority part of the game after conceding from Ingwe’s very first shot on target in the match. His ball distribution from the back to his front men was however a sight to behold, as always.Paul Ochuoga – 6Playing in his first Mashemeji Derby, the youngster with a thin frame really looked solid on the right back position. Always looked comfortable defending and providing width down the right whenever Gor pushed forward.The Gor Mahia gamble that brought Ochuoga to the foldPhilemon Otieno – 5The team captain once again played in an unnatural centre back position for his team but never faced any difficult moment. Had on average performanceDennis Ng’ang’a – 7Played like a man on a mission. Was all over the Gor Mahia backline intercepting, sliding in and covering each and every of his players who were caught out of position. Arguably put in one of his best games in a Gor Mahia shirt since signing from Wazito.Geoffrey Ochieng – 6It is hard to get a day when the left back has an off day. Has a work rate similar to Liverpool’s Andrew Robertson. Won 96% of challenges he committed to.Ernest Wendo – 5Had a few loose touches in the first half that enabled Ingwe regain possession high up the pitch and heap the pressure in the first half.2.19 Spain 3.40 Portugal 3.70 Peter Lwasa – 5Guilty of not restoring parity for Gor Mahia much earlier in the game when he had a glorious chance in the first half. His passing and vision in the game were however a thing of beauty.Austin Odhiambo – 8Formerly an AFC Leopards boy, Austin dazzled against his old side as he scored the equalizing goal that forced the game into penalties. As if not enough, he held his nerve to score the game winning penalty that sealed the victory for his side.And K’Ogalo fans could not miss out on invading the pitch!Austin Odhiambo anachoma shule with the last penalty#MashemejiDerby pic.twitter.com/ZAhr2VvR2Y— Ochieng’ Stephen (@soo_ochieng) June 1, 2022 Samuel Onyango – 6Was always forcing issues for his side in the final third. Had a nice resolve that spurred his team on.Benson Omalla – 5Not a good day in office for the youngster. However, made good runs in behind that caused the Leopards defense trouble.🏆 | It feels good waking up like a winner. 💪💪 Good mornings wanaK’Ogalo!#Sirkal | @Betsafe_KE pic.twitter.com/HHEzGyedfu— GOR MAHIA FC (@OfficialGMFC) June 2, 2022 AFC LeopardsLevis Opiyo – 4For a moment, he looked like the man who would finally gift Ingwe their first victory over K’Ogalo since March 2016 as he time and again provided an answer to each and every Gor attempt. However, ended up being responsible for his team conceding the equalizer as he exuded over confidence when he could have played simple.From a backpass, he tried to dribble his way out of danger when Gor closed in only for him to make a mistake and Austin punishing the error. Heard it all from Ingwe fans.The moment Levis Opiyo turned from hero to villain.#MashemejiDerby pic.twitter.com/e3o1sMHsTv— Ochieng’ Stephen (@soo_ochieng) June 2, 2022 Collins Shivachi – 6Was at the right place to score the game’s opening goal. Did not have a lot of input afterwards.Tedian Esilaba – 5Showed great character and leadership for his side. Showed the true emotion of fighting in a derby. Unfortunately, could not do enough to end up on the winning side.Washington Munene – 5Despite providing the assist to Ingwe’s goal, had an average performance partnering Esilaba at the back.Peter Thiong’o – 4Slotted in at the right back position, the player who prefers to play as a winger, ended up missing the sudden death penalty that saw his side lose the match.GOR MAHIA WINAFC Leopards ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️❌✔ Esilaba Tedian ✔ Munene Washington ✔ Omune Victor ✔ Lopaga Josephat ✔ Makwata John ❌ Thiong’o Peter Gor Mahia ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️#MashemejiDerby #MadarakaDayCup#Betsafe #OursForever #INGWE— AFC Leopards (@AFCLeopards) June 1, 2022 Lewis Bandi – 6One of the brighter players for Ingwe. Playing as a defensive midfielder, his ability to intercept possession, skillset to look up and execute a pass coupled with his excellent movement gave Ingwe the edge in the first half.Eugene Mukangula – 5Known for his technical ability, the captain did not have his best game on the day as he came off in the 66th minute.Brian Wanyama – 5It was difficult to notice his presence in the match. Played safe throughout.Former Ingwe custodian John Oyemba opens up on challenges in NorwayCliff Nyakeya – 6Tried causing an issue or two with his pace in behind. Unfortunately, never really tested Gor Mahia frequently enough.Victor Omune – 5Did not have the platform to put in one of his better games. Looked average.Ojo Olaniyi – 4Never caused any trouble for the Gor defense. Substituted in the 57th minute.
