AFC Leopards defender Kennedy Owino has issued a bold statement ahead of the highly anticipated 97th Mashemeji Derby, declaring that his side enters the clash with no pressure and nothing to lose as they prepare to face eternal rivals Gor Mahia at the newly refurbished Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay.Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More NewsFor Gor, it is a must-win encounter in their bid to retain the FKF Premier League title and extend their league dominance to a record 22 titles.##NAJAVA_MECA_8957778##For Ingwe, currently sixth in the standings, a victory would serve not only as a boost to their push for a top-four finish but also as a symbolic shift in the narrative of derby supremacy.With Kakamega Homeboyz currently occupying fourth place, a win would bring Leopards within just five points of breaking into the top tier of the table.”We’re not under pressure. We have nothing to lose,” said Owino in a pre-match interview with Mozzart Sport.“We are going out there to fight for all three points because we want to end the season among the top four.”Miheso on what AFC Leopards need to win Mashemeji DerbyOwino, who previously donned the Gor Mahia jersey three seasons ago, understands the magnitude of the occasion and the deep emotional ties it holds for fans of both sides.But more than the league implications, Owino pointed to the importance of bragging rights a defining aspect of this age-old rivalry.”Gor has always had the upper hand in derby matches, but this time, we are going to give everything. We’re playing for our fans. They deserve to go home proud,” added the former Posta Rangers captain.Omalla’s message to fans ahead of Mashemeji DerbyLeopards will be chasing their 29th victory in Mashemeji Derby history, seeking to narrow the gap on Gor Mahia’s 33 wins.With a partisan crowd expected in Homa Bay, considered Gor Mahia’s stronghold, Owino acknowledged the atmosphere will be intense but sees it as motivation.”It will be a hostile environment, no doubt but that’s what makes this fixture special. These are the kind of matches where you show character, and we’re fully prepared for the challenge.” he admitted.’We can’t accept defeat at our original home’- Gor Mahia’s Geoffrey Ochieng
