The “Mashemeji Derby” pitting two Kenya football giants and arch-rivals Gor Mahia vs AFC Leopards has come sooner that expected.
The yawn for the two to meet in any planned game has been on the air for a long period with AFC baying for K’Ogalo blood.
AFC Leopards their last taste of victory against Gor Mahia was way back to February 2016 in a KPL match played at Moi Sports center – Kasarani.
The two rivals qualified for the FKF Betway Cup finals to be played on Sunday, July 4. Both rivals reached the final through post-match penalties with Gor Mahia winning 4-2 over Bidco United after both teams settled for a 1-1 draw in full time.
Gor Mahia goal came through Kenneth Muguna in the 4th minute of the game through a free-kick, beating Bisco United goalkeeper. The lead lasted for 15 minutes before Bidco equalized through David Orem.
Both teams made several attempts to break the stalemate but fell short closing the full-time scores at 1-1. Gor Mahia hit four goals on target in the post-match penalties taking up the win that got them through to the finals.
AFC Leopard’s greatest history and celebration were way back on 17th November 2013 when they won by a goal to nin (1-0) and went to represent the country in the CAF Confederation Cup. K’Ogalo was however the KPL Champions and was representing the country in the prestigious CAF Champions League.
The “Mashemeji Derby” between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards is the biggest rivalry in the history of Kenyan football, hence making this final one of the most talked-about in Kenya.
A win on the 4th July by either team triggers the norm of bragging right till the next meeting.