The 98th derby between Kenya’s most successful clubs in the league’s history comes at a time when K’Ogalo are fighting to reclaim the league title they surrendered last season to Kenya Police FC, while Ingwe are seeking to end a drought of 29 years.
As of last season, Gor Mahia have won the Kenyan top-flight a record 21 times, while Leopards have 12 league titles to their name, and the two clubs have been bitter rivals since they first locked horns on May 5th, 1968.
Arguably, the real derby was born in 1980, after K’Ogalo dethroned Ingwe (then Abaluhya FC) at the final of the East and Central Africa Club championship in Malawi. Before that, the dominant match in Kenyan football shifted depending on which teams were dominating the landscape.
When is the derby and how can you watch?
The matchday 10 fixture of the current campaign will be played on Sunday, December 7th, at Nyayo National Stadium. The game will be televised live on Tanzania’s Pay TV Channel Azam TV, who are FKF’s broadcast partners, on Azam Sports 4HD and will kick off at 13:00hrs.
What have the coaches said?
While AFC Leopards coach Fred Ambani will be overseeing his third derby, his Gor Mahia counterpart Charles Akonnor will be in charge of his first derby. The Ghanaian legend joined K’Ogalo at the start of the current season.
Ahead of the fixture, Ambani is beaming with confidence that Ingwe have done enough homework to beat their rivals, who have dominated this fixture in recent years.
“We are okay. The players’ mood and character are good. Everything is fine, and we are set for the game. Apart from a few injuries, which I do not want to mention for now, we are ready because any of the 30 players can step in,” Ambani told reporters ahead of the derby.
“I have not lost to Gor Mahia as a player or as a coach, and we go into the game to win it. But it is upon the players to deliver because I will not be on the pitch. I want them to make the supporters happy.”
Meanwhile, Akonnor, who has so far managed nine league matches, winning six, drawing one, and losing two, explained the importance of the derby and why Gor Mahia must come out winners.
“This is a match which is very important to our fans, to the team, the legacy of the team, myself, and so we are doing everything, and preparing seriously towards this match to make sure we get maximum points on Sunday,” said Akonnor.
Gor Mahia have dominated the derby in recent years, with Ingwe mostly playing catch-up. As per the records, the last six matches have seen Ingwe manage only one win against K’Ogalo.
Team news
Gor Mahia will miss the services of two key players - Bryson Wangai, and Lawrence Juma owing to injuries. A statement from the club confirmed the two players will not be involved in the derby.
“Bryson is in the final phase of recovery from an ankle injury sustained against Tusker, nears full return; Lawrence Juma is under rehabilitation after sustaining a groin injury,” read part of the statement.
“Both will not be available for selection. The rest of the players are in perfect shape for the derby.”
Despite the double setback, Gor Mahia will still have an experienced squad to bank on, including goalkeeper Byrne Omondi, Sylvester Owino, Austin Odhiambo, Michael Kibwage, and Ghanaian import Ebenezer Adukwaw.
For AFC Leopards, they have no injury concerns with forward James Kinyanjui set to lead the way assisted by captain Victor Omune.
Form guide
The two teams will head into the derby with mixed results from opening matches in the top-flight. While Gor Mahia are currently sitting top of the 18-team Premier League table with 19 points from nine matches, AFC Leopards are placed sixth with 14 points from the same number of outings.
Gor Mahia have won six matches, drawn one and lost two, while AFC Leopards have registered three wins, five draws and lost one contest.
Ticketing information
According to Gor Mahia who will be the home team, only 18,000 tickets will be available for the derby. In a statement, the club confirmed they were given access to a small number of tickets due to stringent measures imposed by Sports Kenya and in line with CAF regulations.
Gor Mahia official Nick Arum further said the derby will have a curtain-raiser fixture involving women's teams from the two giants.
“We plan to open the gates at 9 am so that fans can enjoy a performance by Musa Jakadala and also watch the curtain raiser match between Gor Mahia Queens and AFC Leopards Queens,” said Arum as quoted by Nation Media.
“There will be over 300 police officers at the match on Sunday. The officers will be drawn from the regular police, Administration Police, the General Service Unit, and the traffic department.”
He concluded: “Selling beverages in containers that can be used as projectiles will not be allowed. They have to sell them in less harmful containers.”
Last season, the first round meeting ended in a 0-0 draw before Ingwe rallied from a goal down to secure a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture.
During the previous campaign, K’Ogalo went home smiling after sealing a double over their rivals. In the first-round meeting, Gor Mahia secured a 2-0 win before registering a 1-0 victory in the second-round meeting on their way to winning a record 21st league title.
