FKF Premier League: Stage set for low-key 90th Mashemeji Derby

The stage has finally been set for the 90th Mashemeji derby when Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards clash on Wednesday at Kasarani from 3pm.

Gor Mahia fresh from their 3-1 drubbing of Sudan FA Cup champions Al Ahly Merowe will be aiming to extend their dominance over an AFC Leopards side that is under renaissance after the departure of most of their first team players at the close of last season and part of this current campaign.

On 31^st July 2021, the two teams snubbed an FKF Premier League match that was scheduled for the Thika sub county stadium instead, playing a friendly match at the Camp Toyoyo grounds in Jericho.

The controversial act led to FKF fining AFC Leopards KSh5 million and Gor Mahia KSh3 million.

The last competitive match between the two teams was in the FKF Cup final where K’Ogalo emerged 4-1 victors on post-match penalties after a 0-0 draw in normal time.

Gor Mahia under the tutelage of Mark Harisson will be attempting to extend their dominance having won in 30 of their previous meetings and losing 27 times.

The two teams have shared spoils 32 times and a win for either team will change the derby record.

Gor Mahia began their league campaign on a winning note, beating last season’s runners-up KCB 2-1 before heading to Egypt to face Merowe.

AFC Leopards on the other had have had a rather positive start to the season, collecting four points in the two matches played and yet to concede a goal. Ingwe beat reigning champions Tusker 1-0 on matchday one before holding KCB to a barren draw on Sunday.

PHOTO/COURTESY