In Summary:
- Gor Mahia needs a win against AFC Leopards on June 2, 2025, to stay close to league leaders Kenya Police in the FKF Premier League title chase.
- AFC Leopards, currently 6th, aim to break a losing streak against Gor Mahia and prove their strength in the 97th Mashemeji Derby.
- Gor Mahia’s striker Benson Omalla and AFC Leopards’ goalkeeper Levis Opiyo are expected to be central figures in this historic clash.
On Monday, June 2, 2025, Gor Mahia will face AFC Leopards in a critical Mashemeji Derby match in Homa Bay. This game is hugely important for Gor Mahia, who are in third place and need a win to close the 7-point gap on league leaders Kenya Police and keep their title hopes alive. AFC Leopards, though not competing for the title, is determined to win for pride and to improve their league standing, especially after not beating Gor Mahia in their last three games.
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Gor Mahia’s Urgent Need for Victory
Gor Mahia currently sits in third place in the league standings with 54 points. They are seven points behind the current league leaders, Kenya Police.
However, Gor Mahia has one game in hand, meaning they have played one fewer match than Kenya Police.
Winning this derby would be huge, as it would reduce the gap to only four points. This would create a much more exciting and tight title race as the season nears its end.
Recently, Gor Mahia has faced some difficulties on the field. They suffered a 2-1 loss to Nairobi City Stars and then played to a 0-0 draw with Murang’a SEAL. These dropped points have made the upcoming derby a must-win situation for the team.
Coach Zedekiah “Zico” Otieno stressed the importance of the game, calling it a vital chance to get closer to Kenya Police.
Goalkeeper Gad Mathews echoed this sentiment, stating firmly, “We have to win this one. No excuses.” The pressure is clearly on Gor Mahia.
If Kenya Police were to lose their next game against Shabana and then also lose to Gor Mahia later in the season, Gor Mahia could potentially win the league title for the third consecutive year.
AFC Leopards Aims to Disrupt Title Plans
AFC Leopards holds the sixth position in the league table with 46 points. While they are not in a position to win the league championship this season, they are certainly not going into this match without a clear goal.
A win against their fierce rivals would push them closer to the top four teams in the league. They are currently just five points behind both Kakamega Homeboyz and Gor Mahia, who both have 54 points.
Beyond the league standings, beating Gor Mahia would also be a big achievement for AFC Leopards because they have not won against their rivals in their last three meetings. This makes the derby a chance for them to break that tough streak.
Captain Clifton Miheso expressed the team’s readiness, saying, “It’s a hard game, but we’re ready. We’re playing for pride and our fans.”
Interim coach Fred Ambani further emphasized the significance of the match, stating, “This is about showing we’re still a big team.”
For AFC Leopards, this derby is about pride, bragging rights, and proving their strength on the pitch.
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Derby History and Key Players to Watch
This upcoming match will be the 97th time Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards have faced each other in the historic Mashemeji Derby. Looking at their past encounters, Gor Mahia has a slight advantage, having won 33 times.
AFC Leopards has secured 28 victories, and a total of 35 games have ended in a draw. The first time these two teams met this season was on March 30, and that match ended in a 0-0 tie at Nyayo Stadium.
Given their history, fans can expect another closely contested and exciting game.
For Gor Mahia, their star striker Benson Omalla is definitely a player to keep an eye on. He has a strong record against Leopards, having scored four goals in previous derbies.
Austin Odhiambo and Alpha Onyango are also players who could create problems for the opposing defense. On the other side, AFC Leopards’ goalkeeper Levis Opiyo stood out with his performance in the first leg of the season, making crucial saves.
In attack, Victor Omune and Christopher Koloti will be leading AFC Leopards’ efforts to score, while defenders Lewis Bandi and Ken Owino will be tasked with stopping Gor Mahia’s dangerous attacks.
The city of Homa Bay is expected to be filled with excited fans, as this game is much more than just three points; it is about who holds the bragging rights in Kenyan football.
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