Mashemeji Derby ends in draw as AFC Leopards slow down Gor title charge

Center referee Dickens Mimisa intervenes in the fight between AFC Leopards SC and Gor Mahia FC players during their FKF Premier League match dubbed "Mashemeji Derby" at Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi, on March 30, 2025. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Gor Mahia's FKF Premier League title charge was slowed down on Sunday after rivals AFC Leopards held the record Kenyan champions to a 0-0 draw in front of a fully packed Nyayo Stadium.

The defending champions were determined to extend their remarkable derby dominance, having won 14 times, lost once and drawn four matches against Ingwe since March 2016.

However, Ingwe, who headed into the match unbeaten in their last eight league matches, proved too strong for Gor who are five points behind leaders Kenya Police, who narrowly saw off Posta Rangers 1-0 at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.

Police lead the standings with 48 points followed by Tusker on 47 points. The brewers picked a 1-0 win over Bidco United on Saturday.

K'Ogalo are third with 43 points, but with a game in hand.

Speaking after the match, Leopards coach Fred Ambani said he is satisfied with the results despite the stalemate and will be keen to bounce back ahead of the return leg next weekend.

"We started the match well and created a lot of chances. We were unlucky, but I believe we played well and we have the opportunity to bounce back," said Ambani.

Shabana FC continued with their dominance over Murang'a Seal with a commanding 3-0 victory on Sunday afternoon at Gusii Stadium, reinforcing their superiority in the fixture.

Ezekiel Omuri set the tone for the Kisii-based club, netting the opener before Austin Odongo bagged a brace to seal an emphatic win.

At the Mumias Sports Complex, Kakamega Homeboyz showcased resilience as they twice came from behind to hold KCB to a thrilling 2-2 draw, preserving their unbeaten run at the venue.

KCB struck first in the 20th minute through Derrick Otieno, setting the pace for a tightly contested encounter. However, Moses Shumah responded for Homeboyz in the 35th minute, ensuring both sides went into the halftime break level at 1-1.

The visitors reclaimed the lead in the 52nd minute, courtesy of a well-placed effort from Stephen Etyang.

But Homeboyz refused to back down, and in the 76th minute, former AFC Leopards vice-captain Peter Thiong'o found the back of the net to restore parity once again.

The hard-fought draw lifted Homeboyz to eighth on the table with 35 points, while KCB moved to fourth with 40 points-eight behind league leaders Kenya Police.

Police saw off Posta Rangers 1-0 in Machakos to move top with 48 points.