- AFC Leopards has not beaten Gor Mahia in six years
- Gor are looking to bridge the gap between them and the leaders
- The match will be played at the Kasarani Stadium
AFC Leopards will be looking to cash in on their first victory over arch-rivals Gor Mahia FC when the two sides clash in the Mashemeji Derby on Sunday at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani.
Ingwe has not beaten K’Ogalo across all competitions since their 1-0 victory in March 2016 and they have found it difficult to crack their bitter rivals.
However, AFC head coach Patrick Aussems believes he can guide the team to their first win over their rivals and bring smiles on the faces of their fans who have done immensely well to get back to the stadium and support the team this season.
“It is always a good time to win a game whether Gor Mahia or any other team I do not care but I know this is a special match for most people. I hope the stadium is full but I think it is the right moment for us to have a good game against Gor Mahia,” Aussems said.
The last Derby between these two sides ended in a 1-0 victory for Gor in October last year, while the three previous meetings ended in 0-0 draws.
AFC Leopards players celebrate their goal against KCB
“I believe we are ready for this match because every player knows it is important. But for us the most important thing is the three points that we want to fight for and move up the standings,” said the coach.
Leopards have only lost once in 13 matches, their only blemish during this run being a 2-1 last-minute defeat at the hands of defending champions Tusker FC.
They believe they are in good form now especially coming into the game fresh from their 2-1 win over KCB last weekend.
Meanwhile Gor Mahia are looking to continue their dominance over their rivals with coach Andres Spier preparing for his first derby.
“I heard the opponent’s coach last week talking about six years. But why not make it more? We can continue in this tradition,” a confident Spier said.
Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier and new coach Andre Spier
The German added; “We have really trained well this week and I see a positive trend in how we are playing. We are improving match by match and I am confident that we have the winning mentality and we will hope for the best in the game.”
Gor have been posting mixed results of late, having won two, drawn two, and lost one of their last five meetings. They are placed fifth in the standings with 46 points, 10 behind leaders Kakamega Homeboyz and still harbour hopes they can close the gap and challenge for the title.
Coach Spier will rely on the experienced forward line of Samuel Onyango and George Odhiambo to deliver the goals and believes they have what it takes to carry derby bragging rights.
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