Gor, AFC Leopards clash in highly billed Mashemeji Derby

• Gor will go nine points clear top of the table with a win
• K’Ogalo won the first leg 2-0
• The game will be played at the Nyayo National Stadium

Gor Mahia and AFC leopards clash in the highly billed Mashemeji Derby at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday. Gor are battling to clinch the league title this season, while Leopards, whose title dreams have been quashed this season are seeking for a top five finish.

Gor head coach Jonathan McKinstry will look to complete a double over arch rivals Leopards, having beaten them 2-0 in the first leg of the derby.

With the league title also in the horizon for K’Ogalo, they will be keen to ensure they pick a valuable victory, that can potentially take them 12 points clear top of the log with seven matches to play.

“We are in the business end of the season where now every three points feel worth more because we are edging towards our objective of defending our title. This weekend is another big opportunity to move towards that,” said the tactician, speaking ahead of the game.

He adds; “It is a big game, but the biggest win for us is the three points. We have been very consistent this season and our position in the league shows that. We are also coming into this game from a very important win.”

Gor go into derby with impeccable run

Gor Mahia players during a training session

Gor have only lost twice this season and their impeccable run has seen them pick a very good lead, and if they can win the derby on Sunday, then champagne will be on ice for a record extending 21st FKF Premier League title.

Meanwhile, AFC Leopards coach Thomas Trucha believes last weekend’s hard fought victory against Posta Rangers will motivate his side heading to Sunday’s Mashemeji Derby against rivals Gor.

Leopards beat Posta 1-0 with Kennedy Owino scoring against his former employers with a brilliant head off a corner. Trucha says he was impressed with the fighting spirit shown by his team in a difficult match.

“I think we played really well in a very difficult game. I told them from the start that such tough games are decided from set pieces and I am glad that we converted from one. I believe it gives us the confidence heading into the derby and everyone will be fired up,” the tactician said.

Trucha expects a tough encounter against K’Ogalo, but says his team is enjoying fine form and massive confidence following their run since the turn of the new year.

Gor currently sit top of the Premier League standings with 54 points, while Leopards are eighth, a massive 16 points behind.

“It will be a tough game for sure but for us, we want to try get that win for our fans and also for us as a team,” noted Trucha.

AFC keen to bounce back from first leg loss

AFC Leopards players celebrate their win against Posta Rangers

The first leg derby meeting between these two sides ended with Gor winning 2-0 and Leopards will be keen for revenge.

The first leg meeting between these two sides ended with Gor Mahia winning 2-0. Over the last 34 meetings, Gor Mahia has won this duel 19 times, while Leopards have won only six, with the rest ending in draws.

Over these number of meetings, Gor Mahia has socred 47 goals and Ingwe 25, with the biggest win coming in November 2019 when they won 4-1.

Gor Mahia head coach McKinstry disclosed that wingback Rooney Onyango will be fit for the game despite having an injury scare when he limped out of last weekend’s victory away to Nzoia Sugar.

Ugandan striker Patrick Kaddu might also be involved, though McKinstry has pegged his fitness at 80pc, having been out injured for slightly close to a month. Rwandese defender Emery Bayisenge is ruled out of the game as he is yet to return to training following a nagging knee injury.

For AFC, they will be boosted with the availability of Musa ‘Pele’ Oundo and Kaycie Odhiambo, who both missed last weekend’s game away to Posta Rangers due to inury, but it was more of a precaution as coach Trucha wanted to preserve them for the derby.