Mashemeji Derby: Gor Mahia skin limping AFC Leopards

Kennedy Onyango (L) of Gor Mahia FC fight for ball with Brian Yakhama of AFC Leopards SC during their FKF Premier League match dubbed Mashemeji Derby at Kasarani Main Stadium in Nairobi on October 07, 2023. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Gor Mahia's Benson Omalla denied rivals AFC Leopards their first win of the season as his brace anchored K'Ogalo to a 2-0 win in Saturday's Mashemeji derby at Kasarani Stadium.

Omalla scored in either half of the match in a tension-packed Mashemeji derby to take his season tally to six goals.

The Kisumu Day alumnus broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute when he skillfully lobbed the ball over the advancing AFC keeper Levis Opiyo after receiving an incisive pass from Austin Odhiambo. But Opiyo has himself to blame for coming off his line too early.

Gor were offensive from the opening whistle and could have opened the score sheet in the ninth minute but Omalla's shot went wide.
 
Although the derby diehards say the rivalry thrives on a competition for community pride and identity, the battle on the pitch looked different.

The match started on a high note even as the sonorous fans of the two teams livened the air. 

Omalla landed on two attempts before Gor' goal keeper Kevin Omondi saved AFC's Kaycie Odhiambo's fine shot in the 16 minute. 

AFC winger Clifton Miheso almost saw the back of the net in the 20th minute after a perfect cross from Cliff Nyakeya but he missed the target. 

A minute later, Gor midfielder Emery Bayisenge missed a clear chance as Ingwe's Miheso retaliated with a low range shot that went slightly wide. 

Gor midfielder Austin Odhiambo almost gifted K'Ogalo the second in the 33rd minute but his powerful header went wide.

In the 40th minute, Kaycie Odhiambo was booked after fouling Rogers Mugisha.

Just five minutes to halftime, Miheso sent a rasping shot that almost slipped through Gor goalkeeper Kevin Omondi's hands.

Omalla was at it again but missed to tap in a low range shot on the stroke of half time.

Gor Mahia FC forward Benson Ochieng celebrates with teammate Emmanuel Lwangu after scoring against AFC Leopards SC during their FKF Premier League match dubbed Mashemeji Derby at Kasarani Main Stadium in Nairobi on October 07, 2023. Gor Mahia won 2-0.[Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Gor resumed the second half with renewed determination and mounted a series of attacks and it paid dividends after Omalla scored in 57the minute after getting an assist from Patrick Sibomana.
 
Two minutes later, AFC's Brian Yahama passed a cross that Miheso, who stood with Gor goalkeeper Omondi, failed to head in.

AFC kept pressing on even as Gor continued to contain the pressure. The win took Gor to 12 points, three behind Posta Rangers. 

Leopards went to the derby as underdogs as they were searching for their first win this season. They stood 17th on the log with four points and threatened relegation - a situation which puts more pressure on head coach Tom Juma.

In three attempts, Gor coach Johnathan McKinstry  – the Northern Irish coach who has guided Uganda and Sierra Leone national teams –had not yet won against Leopards since he took over the reins at Gor. Leopards had won 2-1 in their last match. But yesterday was his day as he registered Gor's third win.

McKinstry said he was impressed with the team's show, as he won his first Mashemeji derby.

"We have a new team and we are developing progressively. We will take a match at a time. We hope to post a good result against Tusker in our Tusker," he said.

Gor, the 20-time Premier League champions, and  Posta Rangers are the only two teams that have not lost any match this season.

Gor have now won 32 matches while AFC have won 28 matches and 34 draws in the 95 Mashemeji derbies that dates back to 1968.