All roads lead to Nyayo Stadium on Sunday as the biggest Kenyan Premier League match between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards takes centre stage.
While K’Ogalo are closing in on a record-extending 21st KPL title, Ingwe — who have not won the coveted gong for over two decades — will be playing for pride and bragging rights.
However, as the adage goes, the derby has no owner and any side can reign supreme on the day. Ingwe defender Zachary Njiite says K’Ogalo maybe on top of their game, but it won’t be easy since they are equally looking for a win.
“Gor started well and are favourites to retain their title but we are also in good form as we chase the FKF Cup title. Denting their chances altogether with a win is our target,” said the defender.
On the Green Army side, legendary midfielder Ali Abondo says football is about friendship and entertainment but the derby is a war that brings the best out of both sides.
“I wish K’Ogalo all the best and I want fans to paint Nyayo green as they cheer and motivate the boys against their sworn rivals, peacefully,” said the former Kenyan international.
Abondo earned the nickname “tear gas” on March 23, 2012, when Gor Mahia fans began riots after he was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Leopards’ midfielder Amon Muchiri. Projectiles flew left right and centre, with cops lobbing tear gas to quell the violence. Gor were later banned from using Nyayo and Kasarani for the rest of 2012.
The 95th edition will see Ingwe head coach Thomas Trucha take charge of his first derby, while K’Ogalo’s Johnathan McKinstry — who won the last edition 2-0 — will be seeking to complete a double. McKinstry was in charge last season when Ingwe beat Gor 2-1 for their first victory since 2016.
Dangerman Benson Omala, who grabbed a double in the first leg is chasing the golden boot and will be hoping to hurt Leopards. However, his international teammate Casey Odhiambo, who just recently got his first cap, will be among those instructed to stop him.
Meanwhile, Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala will be rooting for 12-time champions AFC Leopards and wants the Mulembe nation pride restored. Another celebrated K’Ogalo diehard fan, Gidi Ogidi of Radio Jambo, has urged the playing unit to fight tooth and nail to ensure they inch closer to the title.
Gor Mahia top the standings with 54 points from 26 matches. They need at least five wins from the remaining eight matches to clinch the title. Ingwe are a distance ninth on the log, 15 points adrift.
