Mashemeji derby postponed once again

Gor Mahia FC's Joshua Onyango demonstrates respect for AFC Leopards' Kelly Okonji and the 96th edition of Mashemeji Derby during FKF Premier league match at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday, March 30, 2025. [Jonah Onyango, Standard] The eagerly awaited second leg of Mashemeji derby between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards initially slated for tomorrow has been postponed due to lack of a suitable venue. The match was originally supposed to be staged at the 'unfinished' Kasarani Stadium, but after being warned against hosting the fixture at Kasarani by Confederation of African Football's (CAF) due to the ongoing renovations at the facility, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has indefinetly rescheduled the match. This is not the first time the derby has been rescheduled this season, as the first leg also endured the same situation before it was eventually held at Nyayo Stadium. Kasarani has been earmarked as one of the facilities for the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in August. According to FKF, the continental body had proposed that the match be moved to Ulinzi Sports Complex, and be played behind closed doors to preserve the infrastructure and maintain security standards. However, the management of Ulinzi Sports Complex declined to host the match, citing internal concerns and the risk of vandalism. "With no suitable venue currently available, FKF has resolved to postpone the match to a later date, which will be communicated in due course," read a statement from FKF. Meanwhile, Kenya Police opened a five-point lead at the helm of the FKF Premier League after narrowly seeing off Bandari 1-0 as the race to win the 2024-2025 title continues to boil. Police victory comes in the wake of uncertainty surrounding the Mashemeji derby pitting defending champions Gor Mahia and their nemesis AFC Leopards tomorrow. In Mombasa, Marvin Nabwire's 89th-minute strike was enough to hand Police maximum points after their narrow 1-0 win over Bandari at the Mbaraki Sports Club. Police now sit top with 58 points, five ahead of Gor. Tusker are third with 52 points. In Machakos, Keith Imbali's goal for Shabana sealed a hardfought 1-0 win over KCB in a match played at Kenyatta Stadium. Shabana were coming off a disappointing defeat to Gor last week in Kisii. Imbali, who joined Torebobe from Kariobangi Sharks in February, struck in the 78th minute off a Brian Michira delivery. The defeat added to KCB's woes in 2024, extending their winless run to six matches, including three consecutive losses and a single draw. At Dandora Stadium, Nairobi City Stars continued with their battle to avoid relegation after a 3-2 win over Mara Sugar. Hansel Ochieng, Vincent Owino, and Salim Hamisi earned Simba wa Nairobi a vital three points, while Dennis Cheruiyot bagged a brace for the Millers. Despite the win, they remain bottom with 27 points. However, City Stars are now just two points away from 16th-placed Murang'a Seal-offering hope in the tightly contested battle for survival.

Mashemeji derby postponed once again

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