As the excitement builds for this Sunday’s Mashemeji Derby at the Nyayo National Stadium, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohamed has called on fans to turn up in large numbers and create a lively, peaceful atmosphere for the Mashemeji Derby – the iconic clash between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards.
The match was initially slated for November 24 last year but couldn’t kick off due to a lack of a suitable venue.
“Kenyan football fans are in for another thrilling match this Sunday as the Mashemeji Derby takes centre stage,” Mohamed said. “We urge fans to come out in full force and enjoy the game in a lively and festive atmosphere, just like we saw last Sunday. League matches should provide an excellent matchday experience, and we encourage supporters to cheer on their teams with passion while maintaining peace and respect for one another.”
His remarks come as the derby, arguably one of the most intense rivalries in East African football, promises to be a spectacle both on and off the pitch. The fixture traditionally draws thousands of supporters, with both clubs boasting massive and passionate fan bases.
However, amid the build-up to Sunday’s 4pm kick-off, CHAN 2025 local organising committee chairman Nicholas Musonye has also issued a stern warning to both Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards supporters.
With the Nyayo National Stadium having recently undergone refurbishment in preparation for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament in November, Musonye cautioned that any act of hooliganism or vandalism could have serious consequences.
“If a seat is destroyed, stones are thrown, or any form of vandalism occurs at the stadium, the clubs will be banned from using the facility,” Musonye warned.
The warning comes amid ongoing efforts to improve the quality of matchday experiences in Kenyan football and preserve the country’s stadiums for future international use.
Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards are separated by six points in the FKF Premier League standings. K’Ogalo are placed third on the log with 42 points, while AFC Leopards come in close in fifth with 36 points.
In the last 10 meetings, Gor Mahia has beaten AFC Leopards six times, with three meetings ending in stalemates while Ingwe managed to outdo their arch rivals once.
The last Mashemeji Derby ended 1-0 in favour of Gor Mahia on February 21, 2024, at the Nyayo National Stadium. Sunday’s encounter kicks off at 4pm EAT.
