Daggers drawn as Leopards, Gor Mahia collide

John Makwatta (L) of AFC Leopards SC outpaces Bernard Ondiek of Gor Mahia FC during their Kenyan Premier League match dubbed Mashemeji Derby at MISC Kasarani Stadium on November 10, 2019. Gor Mahia FC won 4-1. [Photo/Stafford Ondego/www.sportpicha.com]

There will be no love lost when Kenyan Premier League giants AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia renew their rivalry in an eagerly awaited second leg of the Mashemeji derby, at Kasarani Stadium today.

While the record champions Gor head into the clash with 51 points and will open a seven-point gap over second placed Kakamega Homeboyz with a win today, AFC have registered six wins in their last eight league matches.

However, the question is, will the Elvis Rupia-led attack exploit K’Ogalo’s leaky defence and throw the title race wide open?

But the sixth-placed Ingwe (40) have struggled against their bitter rivals in the recent past with their last win coming way back in June 2016 (1-0).

And with both the bragging rights and three points at stake, neither AFC nor Gor fans would love to leave Kasarani frustrated.

The teams are coming off morale-boosting victories.

While AFC saw off Chemelil Sugar 1-0 last weekend, Gor edged out Western Stima 3-2.

Even though former AFC man Clifton Miheso is doubtful for the match due to an ankle injury, K’Ogalo backline has been boosted by the return of Kenyan international Joash Onyango from suspension.

But Leopards will have to do without the suspended utility player Clyde Senaji.

However, having featured in the derby as a player, AFC coach Anthony Kimani knows how desperate his side needs a win.

“Every team will want to get the maximum points, but as AFC Leopards we understand it has been long since we got a good result against Gor Mahia,” Kimani said.

“I think this is a precious chance for us to not only narrow the gap to the leading pack but also move up on the table. The good thing is that everybody in the team, from the technical bench to the players understands that.”

Though Kimani is fully aware of Gor’s defensive lapses, he is braced for a difficult game.

“This is a match that every player wants to do their best in. Probably, we are not going to see the lapses they (Gor) have been having in their previous matches. We know they are going to approach this game with a different mentality,” he said.

“I’m pretty sure we are not going to be awarded a goal-scoring opportunity. We must work hard and create our own goal-scoring opportunities. Therefore, I expect a very tight game.”

Gor captain Kenneth Muguna also appreciates the importance of today’s encounter.

“I think from the teams’ current form, whoever will be hungrier for results will carry the day,” Muguna said.

Meanwhile, Timothy Otieno scored a brace to leapfrog John Makwata at the top of goal scorers chart as Tusker beat Chemelil Sugar 2-0.

Yesterday’s victory at Ruaraka Grounds saw the third-placed brewers take their points tally to 46, one behind second-placed Kakamega Homeboyz who face Sofapaka on March 18.

In Mombasa Bandari beat Kariobangi Sharks while at Kasarani Stadium, Mathare United saw off Kisumu All Stars 4-1.