by Agnes Amondi

The Mashemeji Derby piting arch rivals AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia will be played on Sunday 7 at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani.

FKF Premier League record champions Gor Mahia has won all but one fixture – a 1-1 draw in 2017 – between the two in the last four years. Last season ‘K’Ogalo were 4-1 & 1-0 winners of the tie en route lifting an 18th league title.

2016 was the last time Ingwe beat Gor. And Leopards have been on the search for a win against their most fierce rival. This weekend might just be the match that will put to a stop their wretched record against Gor.

Ingwe are in form ahead of the derby. They have won their last three fixtures – 2-1 against KCB, 2-0 against Kariobangi Sharks and 2-1 win over Posta Rangers. They are lie fourth on 18 points.

Gor on the other hand, have lost one in the last five matches. That unexpected defeat came in the hands of lowely placed Vihiga United a fortnight ago. However, they now head into the tie with two consecutive wins – 3-0 & 3-1 victories over Zoo and Bandari in that order.

Leopards coach Anthony Kimani has at his disposal the lethal striker in Elvis Rupia. The former Wazito forward has bagged 10 goals so far and is just behind Kariobangi Sharks Eric Kapaito who is leading the scorers chat with 12 goals. Whether he will be the difference in Sunday’s derby, we wait to see.

Sunday’s clash will go on without fans. Both clubs had written to the Ministry of Sports to allow a limited number of fans into the stadium. As things stand, only those who have been given authorisation will be in Kasarani for the game.

Soka25east.com