The stage is set for Kenya’s most anticipated club football spectacle, the Mashemeji Derby, which will take place on Sunday, 30 March.Arch-rivals AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia will clash for the 93rd time in the 56-year-old showdown after a two-week FIFA international break.Patrick Matasi: FKF requests 2 government institutions to investigate suspended keeperSince their first meeting on May 5, 1968, the two clubs have battled fiercely for league points and bragging rights.Follow Our WhatsApp Channel for more news!!!While both enjoy a diverse fan base, Gor Mahia’s supporters are predominantly Luo, while AFC Leopards’ core following is mainly Luhya.Heading into the derby, Gor holds the upper hand, having secured 31 wins against AFC Leopards’ 27.##NAJAVA_MECA_8812692##The remaining 34 encounters have ended in draws. However, the bigger concern for Leopards is their poor record in recent years—Ingwe has beaten Gor Mahia only once since 2016.Of the 18 meetings since then, K’Ogalo has claimed victory 11 times, while six matches ended in draws. In their last five encounters, Gor has won three, with the other two ending in stalemates.Despite the odds, AFC Leopards’ interim head coach, Fred Ambani, remains confident that his team can turn the tide.Two English-based youngsters included in Kenya U20 provisional squad for AFCONAmbani, a former Ingwe player in the ‘90s, has drawn inspiration from his playing days, reminding his squad that he never lost a derby as a player—something he hopes to replicate as a coach.”I played in the derby, and during my time, I never lost to Gor Mahia. As a coach, I don’t intend to drop points either, and I’ve told my players the same,” Ambani stated.He emphasized that the game is more about mental strength than skill.”I’ve reminded the players that it’s all in the mind. It’s a huge game for the fans, but for us, it’s just another match. The hype can create pressure, but I’ve prepared them mentally, and they’re ready.”Why Victor Wanyama joined relegation-threatened Scottish minnowsAmbani also addressed the team’s recent struggles in front of goal but assured fans that the issue has been resolved.”Yes, our attack has been struggling, mostly due to injuries. However, we’ve worked on that, and the available forwards have been sharpening their finishing in training. I’m confident we’ll be more clinical in this match.”Club captain Clifton Miheso, well aware of the derby’s intensity, has urged Ingwe fans to turn up in large numbers as the team seeks a rare win against his former club, Gor Mahia.
