After seven years of pain and ridicule, seven years of endless banter and always playing second fiddle in the emotive Mashemeji Derby, AFC Leopards, led by their Belgian tactician Patrick Aussems, produced a heroic 2-1 performance in the 93rd edition of the fierce rivalry to end their thirteen match winless streak against Gor Mahia and in the process cast a sizeable dent in K’Ogalo’s record extending chase for a twentieth title.In the presence of their ever adulating fans, who roared every goal, every pass, every footwork and even every ball that their goalkeeper Levis Opiyo let to roll out of play for a goal kick, Ingwe finally vanquished their Mashemeji Derby demons as they grabbed what had proven to be as difficult to find as gold – a win.F.TAFC Leopards wins the #MashemejiDerby for the first time in 7 years.#FKFPL pic.twitter.com/9icBXfTksR— FKF Premier League (@Officialfkfpl) May 14, 2023 It came in even sweeter fashion for the twelve time Kenyan champions who had to overcome an early scare that saw the league’s most in form striker Benson Omala who, in surprising fashion, missed from the penalty spot twenty six minutes in.Nine minutes later, as if karma was playing a part, Harambee Stars debutant Victor Omune would emerge from the ruins when Ingwe were awarded their own penalty.He breathed in, then out, lifted his head before finding the bottom left as the keeper went in the wrong direction to hand his side the lead that came against the run of play.First win since 2016 . Hii ni tamu pic.twitter.com/AFpFT5z7HT— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) May 14, 2023 That moment that cued an explosive outburst of emotion from the Ingwe faithful would not last long as Austin Odhiambo rose highest to head in an inch perfect Dennis Ng’ang’a corner kick.But that too would prove to be just a small dent in Ingwe’s resolve as Maxwell Otieno, although small in stature, delivered the most important turning point in the game as he placed himself at the back post on a corner kick.What would follow could not be summed up. The unmarked youngster rose, with destiny in his own hands, to direct his free header into the back of the net t as he gave Ingwe what ended up being the match winning moment and the catharsis point for Ingwe who avenged for all the times they were made to feel as if they did not matter for all the while.2626!AFC Leopards have finally won a game in the Mashemeji Derby 2626 days later, beating Gor Mahia 2-1 on Sunday, 14 May 2023.The last time they emerged victorious in this fixture was on Sunday, 03 March 2016.#MashemejiDerby pic.twitter.com/YOHTMmbcL4— OptaKe (@ke_opta) May 14, 2023 More to follow…Starting XIGor MahiaGad Mathew (GK), Philemon Otieno, Geoffrey Ochieng, Sylvester Owino, Dennis Ng’ang’a, Ernest Wendo, Boniface Omondi, Alpha Onyango, Benson Omala, Austin Odhiambo, Peter Lwasa.AFC LeopardsLevis Opiyo(GK), Peter Thiong’o, Lewis Bandi, Washington Munene, Kayci Odhiambo, Musa Oudo, Maxwell Otieno, Moses Lukhumwa, Omune Victor, Mukangula Eugene, Jaffari Owiti
