Mashemeji battle for KPL supremacy: Kerr and Matano take charge in their first derby

AFC VS GOR DERBY NYAYO STADIUM AFC Leopard Duncan Otieno(L) and Timothy Otieno of Gor Mahia battle for ball possession during their Sportpesa Premier League match at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday 07/05/17.PHOTO.BONIFACE OKENDO

KPL preview:  Kerr and Matano take charge in their first derby

Gor and AFC go into the match after wins in midweek.

Dylan Kerr and Robert Matano will oversee their first Mashemeji Derby when Kenyan Premier League leaders Gor Mahia host perennial rivals AFC Leopards in what promises to be an exciting match, at Nyayo Stadium tomorrow.

This will be the third meeting between the two sides this season with K’ogalo prevailing with an identical 3-0 score in the first leg of KPL and Sportpesa Super Cup final in Tanzania.

Clean sheet

Gor go into this game in top form with their five-match winning run and four clean-sheets under the Briton, who succeeded Jose Marcelo in June, propelling them to the top of the table (43 points).

It is a contrasting situation for 13th placed AFC as Matano has guided them to two wins in the league, drawn and lost once since replacing Stewart Hall last month.

Despite their current forms and positions on the table, there is always no love lost between the two KPL bigshots.

But just like any other derby, today’s encounter will provide more fireworks though it can be decided by a moment of brilliance, a referee’s decision or a horrendous mistake.

For Gor, this could have a massive impact on their title hopes, but on the other hand it could be the “turning point” in AFC’s season, following a disastrous run of results in the first leg.

Both coaches have refused to play down the importance of the match, with Matano insisting that his team is out to redeem its image.

“Yes, it is my first Mashemeji Derby, but there is no excitement about it. It is a game like any other, the only difference is that both teams will be out to protect their https://cdn.standardmedia.co.ke/images. Positive result in the game will give us motivation and confidence,” Matano told The Standard Sports.

“No doubt Gor Mahia are in top form and that is why they are on top of the table, but with derbies there is no favourites because both teams want to win.”

Just like Matano, Kerr is fully aware of the importance of tomorrow’s tie.

“AFC Leopards' game is not just special for us but also for Kenyan football. Putting the bragging rights aside, both of us are fighting for the three points.”

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