The 97th edition of the Mashemeji Derby could potentially end Gor Mahia’s pursuit of their 22nd league title.Set to kick off at 3 pm at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay, Gor have to beat their sworn rivals, AFC Leopards, to keep their slender title hopes alive.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsDefeat will see the record league champions bow out of the race for the league title, with log leaders Kenya Police and Tusker remaining in the tight contest for the crown.##NAJAVA_MECA_8957718##With Monday’s clash marking the first time the biggest football fixture in the land is being staged out of Nairobi since 1 May 2018, when Afraha Stadium in Nakuru played host, Mozzart Sport looks at 6 key battles that could potentially decide which team secures the bragging rights, as well as the three points.Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno vs Fred AmbaniBoth coaches understand the demands of the fixture well, having played it during their active years.Further, they possess solid understanding of the pressure that comes with manning the touchline in the fixture.High stakes as Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards renew Mashemeji Derby rivalry in Homa BayIn terms of coaching, Zico is more experienced, going by the years he has coached at Gor Mahia, the national team, and the fact that he is a certified CAF instructor.However, Ambani prides himself on being a man who has yet to taste defeat in the derby, both as a player and head coach.It will be interesting to see how the tactical battle between the two coaches will pan out.Austin Odhiambo vs Musa OundoOdhiambo loves inflicting pain on his former club, AFC Leopards.Oundo, on the other hand, is never afraid to go into a tackle for the sake of the Leopards’ badge.The two are arguably the most important midfielders in their respective teams.Muyoti backs Nairobi United to claim Mozzart Bet Cup glory, millions against Gor MahiaOdhiambo’s creativity and thirst for goals in the fixture could potentially hand Gor all points.Oundo, the man who will most likely be tasked with marking him, will not wish to grant him the breathing space.Benson Omalla vs Kennedy OwinoLast season’s FKFPL top scorer, Benson Omalla, will hope to add more goals in this fixture as well as help his team remain in the league contest.Although he is not at his usual best, his attacking instincts cannot be ignored.To achieve that, Omalla will be up against Ingwe’s Ken Owino, who was on the bench in the first leg due to fitness issues.Ex-Leopards midfielder calls for security beef-up as Mashemeji derby heads to HomabayBoth players are physically strong and important in their respective departments.This battle will be interesting, as both players are personal friends and know each other from childhood, having grown up in the lakeside city of Kisumu.Geoffrey Ochieng vs Victor OtienoVictor ‘Aguero’ Otieno’s electric runs on the wing will be vital in opening the Gor Mahia back line.Coach Ambani’s philosophy entails the use of speedy wingers, with Otieno enjoying the role under the tactician.The young winger is a good ball carrier and takes on opponents with ease.His runs and crosses are expected to meet a perfect match from Geoffrey ‘Simiti’ Ocheing, the Gor Mahia left back.Beating Simiti in one-on-one situations is not a walk in the park, as the Gor vice captain has perfected the art of coming out the best in such duels.Victor Omune vs Joshua OnyangoThe match will be won by the team that will score goals and defend well.Leopards will heavily rely on the experienced forward Victor Omune for goals, with his creativity also being considered key in creating and unsettling the Gor defence.Whenever goals dry up for the former KCB man, his ability to keep the ball and link play has always influenced matches.His bid to score or create will be put in check by Joshua Onyango, who has been fitting in the Gor back line despite his young age.Gor Mahia midfielder warns Mashemeji Derby win is “not guaranteed”Onyango is one of the solid central defenders in the league with a strong aerial prowess.He rarely loses ground duels and is always good at dealing with first and second balls in the area.In conclusion, the team that wins the majority of these key individual battles in the game will walk home with the three points.
