The 96th edition of the Mashemeji Derby pitting arch rivals AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia goes down today, Sunday 30 March 2025 at the Nyayo National Stadium from 1600 hrs.The derby had been postponed twice due to the unavailability of a suitable venue as a result of the renovation works that occasioned the closure of both Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium.With the reopening of Nyayo National Stadium, AFC Leopards were able to secure the venue to host what is the first leg of the derby.With the stakes of the game so high, Mozzart Sport looks at five key battles that will determine the winner of the derby.Who has the last laugh in the 96th Mashemeji Derby?Fred Ambani v Sinisa MihicThe biggest battle will be the tactical battle between AFC Leopards tactician Ambani and his Gor Mahia counterpart Mihic.Ambani is not a newcomer in the derby having competed in it during his playing career turning out for Leopards and as an assistant coach in the previous two editions.He has been impressive for Ingwe since his appointment as the interim head coach following the dismissal of Tomas Trucha in early December 2024.The former Wazito FC coach wa bullish ahead of the game noting that he never lost the derby as a player and will not do so as a coach either.Mihic has equally been impressive for K’Ogalo since replacing Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno who was serving on an interim basis and revived the title hopes of K’Ogalo.Whosoever gets his tactics right will most likely emerge victorious.##NAJAVA_MECA_8814332##Austin Odhiambo v Musa OundoOne of the most interesting battles will be between the reigning FKF Premier League Most Valuable Player (MVP) Austine Odhiambo and Musa Oundo of AFC Leopards.Arguably the best midfielders of their respective teams, Odhiambo, an attacking midfielder will be out to help his side get goals while Oundo will be keen on not only stopping him but also dictating the proceedings at the middle of the park.This battle will surely be a big influence to the game and the results of the 96th Mashemeji Derby.”I will always be a fan”- Norway -bound defender to K’Ogalo faithfulGeoffrey Ochieng vs Ovella OchiengArguably the biggest attacking threat in the AFC Leopards side, Ovella operating on the right flank will be up against K’Ogalo’s vice captain ‘Simiti’ Ochieng.Ovella has been a nightmare for defenders since his arrival at the den while Simiti is one of the league’s best defenders and good not only at pace but also on one versus one.The proceedings on that side of the pitch will play a pivotal role on whether Leopards scores or Gor keeps a clean sheet and a determinant to the final results.Sydney Lokale vs Sylvester OwinoIn attack, AFC Leopards will be relying on the bullish Lokale to provide the goals that would give Leopards the bragging rights over their in-laws (Mashemeji).In order to achieve that, Lokale will have to find a way past Harambee Stars defender Owino who will be marshalling the K’Ogalo defense.Owino and co will be aiming at a clean sheet in the game after finding a way of locking out teams in the last two matches to positively respond to the criticism leveled against K’Ogalo’s defense this season.Who will win this battle? It is a matter of wait and see but for sure, the winner will most likely be on the winning team.Wanyama got a red card after 20 minutes on the field!Samwel Kapen vs Samwel SemoAnother key battle of the game will be on the right side of Gor Mahia’s attack pitting Kapen against Ingwe’s Semo.Of Gor Mahia’s front three this season, Kapen has been the most effective one, providing goals, assists and creating numerous chances for his team and the same will be expected of him today.Ingwe will be banking on Semo who has since shaken off an injury that kept him on the sidelines for several weeks to stop Kapen’s ventures.
