The highly anticipated soccer clash between Kenya’s fiercest rivals, Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, has been abruptly cancelled this Sunday, the 2nd, due to the unavailability of a suitable stadium. This unfortunate situation marks the second time the match has been called off amid ongoing confusion over venue arrangements.
AFC Leopards, the home team, could not secure the vital approvals to utilize the originally designated stadium facilities. Inside sources reveal that club chairman Dan Shikanda remained optimistic about receiving a favourable response from the government regarding the stadium’s access. However, negotiations reached an impasse, resulting in the postponement of what should have been Kenya’s biggest football derby.
At present, Nyayo National Stadium, along with several other key sporting venues across the country, is undergoing essential renovations to ensure compliance with CAF standards in preparation for the highly anticipated continental tournament scheduled for August.
In a week marked by dramatic twists, all indications pointed to the Moi International Sports Stadium – Kasarani as the potential venue for the match after AFC Leopards confirmed it on Tuesday. This announcement, however, starkly contradicted their previous declaration from February 18, which had firmly set the game at Nyayo Stadium.
The match postponement poses significant challenges for both teams, who now face uncertainty as they await the league’s organizing committee to reschedule this crucial encounter. Fans and players alike are left in suspense, eagerly hoping for a swift resolution to restore excitement to Kenya’s premier football rivalry.