AFC Leopards captain Clifton Miheso admits the team is feeling the heat ahead of their highly anticipated Mashemeji Derby against arch-rivals Gor Mahia at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.The former Vihiga United winger acknowledges that while the squad is in high spirits, the pressure to win is even greater due to fans’ long-standing desire to see Ingwe defeat the record Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) champions.Follow Our WhatsApp Channel for more news!!! This will be the first Mashemeji Derby of the season after two previous matchdays—scheduled for November 2024 and earlier this month—were postponed because AFC Leopards failed to secure a suitable venue for Kenya’s oldest football rivalry.##NAJAVA_MECA_8812692##Speaking to Azam Sports Kenya, Miheso admitted that the weight of expectations is undeniable, but the players must rise to the occasion.”The spirit in the team is good, but I know the pressure is coming from the fans. As players, we have to contain that pressure because that’s our job. Every year, in every match, AFC Leopards is always a team under pressure, so it’s up to us to adapt and do something about it,” Miheso said.Why Victor Wanyama joined relegation-threatened Scottish minnowsLeopards, who are on a mission to secure their 13th league title and end a 25-year championship drought, face a daunting task against their fierce rivals.Gor Mahia has dominated recent meetings, winning both home and away legs last season. In the last 10 encounters, Ingwe has managed just one victory—a 2-1 win in May 2023.Two English-based youngsters included in Kenya U20 provisional squad for AFCONWith Leopards currently sitting fifth in the FKFPL standings with 36 points, a win on Sunday could not only narrow the gap between them and Gor Mahia, who are third with 42 points, but also revive their title ambitions. League leaders Kenya Police have 45 points, while second-placed Tusker has 44.
