The 97th edition of the Mashemeji Derby, staged at the newly refurbished Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay, unfolded without the expected electric atmosphere from both fan bases, as AFC Leopards supporters made good on their threat to boycott the fixture.Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More News Except for the ever-present isukuti dancers, the Ingwe faithful were conspicuously absent.##NAJAVA_MECA_8957718##The boycott followed public declarations by Leopards’ fan groups protesting what they termed as bias in the choice of venue for this edition of the country’s biggest football rivalry.Initially slated for May, the match had been postponed due to a lack of available high-risk match venues, with Nairobi’s Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums undergoing renovations.”AFC wangekuja Homabay waone vile mpira inachezwa, but they’re not fighting for anything so they can’t come. Anything else wanasema ni side shows”Gor fan, Sayari, with his prediction ahead of the #MashemejiDerby 👀 what are your predictions? pic.twitter.com/Dwt94XCo0C— Mozzart Sport Kenya (@MozzartSportKe) June 2, 2025 This marks the second time in two years that AFC Leopards fans have boycotted the derby.In 2023, the club faced a Ksh 500,000 fine and a four-match stadium ban after fan disturbances led to abandoning their fixture against Kakamega Homeboyz at Bukhungu Stadium.Gor Mahia stumble in Mashemeji Derby to leave title hopes in tattersAlthough the ban was served, AFC Leopards also gave the cold shoulder to the 92nd edition of the derby.Nonetheless, Gor Mahia fans turned out in large numbers, filling the 20,000-seater stadium and transforming it into a sea of green and white.The absence of their fierce rivals, however, left the usually electrifying contest lacking in its typical derby intensity.Speaking to Mozzart Sport, fans from both sides expressed disappointment over the boycott.“I am not happy with how our brothers from AFC Leopards have behaved today,” said Gor Mahia supporter Obadhi Sirkal.The millions of shillings former Harambee Stars head coach is demanding from FKF“We turned up at Nyayo when they hosted the match. They should have done the same today. We wanted to show that a derby can thrive even outside Nairobi.”Frederick, another Gor Mahia supporter, shared similar sentiments.“We travelled from all corners of the country to be part of history, the first Mashemeji Derby outside Nairobi. But it’s disheartening that our rivals chose not to show up.”Even among Leopards’ loyalists, there were regrets.“It was a disappointing act,” admitted thr Ingwe supporter.“Looking at the way the boys played today, had we been present, I believe we would have pushed them to victory.”##NAJAVA_MECA_8957513##On the pitch, despite lacking the vocal support of their 12th man, Leopards showed resilience.The team came from behind to secure a hard-fought draw.
