Since their inaugural clash on May 5, 1968, the country has witnessed some epic displays from these two clubs, leaving both positive and negative marks in football history. The rivalry between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards has been fierce since that first encounter.
One of the most notable matches in this rivalry occurred in 1975 when Gor Mahia defeated AFC Leopards with an impressive score of 5-1. In that game, Laban Otieno became the first player to score a hat trick in this derby, with the other goals coming from Maurice “Ole Tunda” Ouma and Francis Mudanyi. Dennis Mwenje managed to score a consolation goal for AFC Leopards.
During that memorable match, Otieno earned the nickname “Ndege,” thanks in part to a marabou stork that landed in the middle of the pitch during halftime. This stork was viewed as a symbol of witchcraft by Leopards fans and nearly incited a conflict between the two fan bases until law enforcement intervened.
As the match unfolded, the unexpected appearance of the marabou stork captured everyone’s attention. It flew so low that it intrigued both players and fans alike. Some players attempted to shoo the bird away, but their efforts were in vain. The stork eventually landed on one side of the field, and fans looked on in disbelief as it meandered toward the AFC Leopards goal.
Their goalkeeper, Jairus Adams, tried unsuccessfully to scare the bird away, drawing laughter and cheers from Gor Mahia fans who encouraged him to stop bothering the creature. Meanwhile, some Leopards players rushed to help chase the bird away.
Witnesses agree that a marabou stork is an oddly shaped and somewhat intimidating bird. To Leopards fans, its presence was an ominous sign, which they attributed to Gor Mahia’s “Juju men.” Conversely, Gor Mahia supporters viewed it as a good omen, especially since their team was leading 1-0 at the time.
The second leg of the rivalry saw AFC Leopards avenge their earlier defeat with a narrow victory, winning the match with a solitary goal from Aggrey Lukoye.
