When the Kenyan Premier League fixtures are unveiled, one matchup invariably steals the spotlight: Gor Mahia versus AFC Leopards, the Mashemeji Derby – a clash between in-laws, a battle for bragging rights, and a guaranteed spectacle. This past Sunday, April 21st, marked the second and final encounter of the 23/24 season between these two Nairobi giants. Gor, hungry for a historic 21st league title and boasting a comfortable lead at the top, were looking to complete the double over their AFC Leopards counterparts.
Nairobi weather, however, seemed to be channeling the Ingwe (Leopards) spirit – unpredictable and threatening rain. But for a die-hard Gor Mahia supporter like myself, a little sprinkle wouldn’t dampen the derby day fire. My fifteen-year-old brother, Manu, sporting his black Gor Mahia jumper (a stark contrast to my green jersey, of course!), mirrored my enthusiasm. We hopped off the Super Metro at City Stadium, a designated ticket selling point. Regular tickets were a steal at 300 shillings, a small price to pay for a potential historic moment.
The closer we got to Nyayo Stadium, the thicker the derby day tension became. Fans, clad in their respective team colors, streamed towards the stadium, their chants a growing crescendo. As we entered the jam-packed “Russia” stand ten minutes before kickoff, the K’Ogalo (Gor Mahia) band erupted in a party of song and dance, a vibrant counterpoint to the sea of blue and white on the opposite side, the Ingwe faithful.
On paper, the script seemed pre-written. Gor, the defending champions, were the clear favorites. Coach McKinstry’s men had been dominant all season, with a nine-point lead and only one defeat. Yet, a sliver of doubt lingered among some fans. “Not scoring enough goals,” they grumbled, despite Gor’s position at the top.
Meanwhile, AFC Leopards were enduring a season of forgetfulness. Internal wrangles and poor results had placed them a lowly eighth. However, the arrival of new coach Tomas Trucha in 2023 had sparked a turnaround, and they were unbeaten this year, including a victory over Gor in the last Nyayo encounter. This derby, then, promised to be a close contest, a battle of wills rather than a one-sided affair.
The tension crackled as the players took the field. A whistle vendor approached, but lacking green whistles (a superstitious no-no for Gor fans on derby day!), I settled for anything but blue. The referee, a touch late, finally blew the whistle at 3:05 pm, and the derby was underway.
The opening fifteen minutes belonged to Gor. We controlled the midfield, moving the ball with confidence. Fullback Rooney Onyango nearly broke the deadlock with a one-on-one chance, only to be denied by a stunning save from AFC goalkeeper Opiyo.
Austin Odhiambo, a Gor Mahia player who rose through the AFC Leopards youth ranks before being snatched by their rivals due to mismanagement, was a constant thorn in the Ingwe side. His deft touches, accurate passes, and menacing presence in the box had the AFC Leopards defense on edge. As fate would have it, the prodigal son would return to haunt his former club. Around the half-hour mark, an AFC goalkeeper’s fumble under Gor’s high press saw Odhiambo pounce and slot the ball into an empty net. The “Russia” stand erupted in a frenzy. A quick elbow nudge to Manu, who’d momentarily lost focus, ensured he didn’t miss this pivotal moment.
But the drama wasn’t over. Minutes later, the Gor Mahia goalkeeper was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge. The Ingwe fans roared their approval, celebrating the red card like a goal. Forced to make a substitution, Gor sacrificed midfielder Musa Masika.
Half-time arrived with the score at 1-0. A commotion near the players’ tunnel hinted at some post-whistle scuffle, but order was soon restored. Coach McKinstry, forgoing the changing room, opted to deliver his half-time talk on the bench right next to the pitch. The break was a flurry of activity – fans grabbing refreshments, vendors hawking their wares, and a chance encounter with Antony “Gor” Obondo, a Twitter acquaintance whose Gor Mahia obsession is legendary.
The second half saw Gor Mahia forced into a defensive posture, their backs literally against the wall, facing the Lang’ata Road side of the stadium. “We are defending with our lives!” became the rallying cry among the fans. AFC dominated possession but lacked clear-cut chances. Gor’s defense, known for its resilience, delivered a complete masterclass. Joshua Onyango, a rock at the back, made a crucial challenge and roared towards the “Russia” stand, urging us to crank up the volume. Our response? Deafening cheers and whistles.
By the 70th minute, the pre-match forecast of a 90% chance of rain finally came true. Some fans scampered for the partially shaded VIP section, but most, myself included, didn’t care. We were on the cusp of derby glory, a point away from victory. As if in defiance, the K’Ogalo band went into overdrive, their music a rallying cry for the players to see the game through.
Despite throwing everything at Gor, AFC Leopards couldn’t find a way through. The final whistle sent the stadium into raptures. Gor players, coaches, and the entire technical bench sprinted towards the “Russia” stand, applauding and acknowledging the unwavering support. I blew my whistle till my lungs burned. The celebrations culminated in a lap of honor, ending with the team singing the club anthem in front of the VIP stand, where rumors swirled of a special guest – the legendary Baba himself.
The euphoria triggered a pitch invasion. Thousands of fans swarmed the pitch, desperate for a closer look at their victorious heroes. Gor Mahia had not only secured the derby win, completing the league double over their in-laws, but they were also a game closer to etching their name on the coveted 21st league trophy. Meanwhile, AFC Leopards fans made a dejected exit, the weight of the derby defeat heavy on their shoulders.
We waited for the crowd to thin before joining the throng of singing Gor Mahia fans snaking their way across the pitch. The celebration was infectious, a moving party fueled by pure joy. More fans joined in as we converged outside the VIP section, a united chorus belting out the club anthem. Three fingers held high – “points adek,” a celebratory shout signifying the three derby points we had secured. The convoy of fans then snaked out of Nyayo Stadium, their destination – the Tom Mboya statue, a hallowed ground for Gor Mahia devotees.
Later that night, a YouTube video surfaced, showcasing K’Ogalo fans taking over a church crusade happening at the National Archives, their song and dance a testament to the unbridled joy of the derby win.
For Manu and me, the night wasn’t over. We waited, and after a good half-hour, our persistence paid off – the match-winner, Austin Odhiambo, emerged from the dressing room. A quick photo with a beaming Manu, a wide grin plastered across his face, was the perfect memento of this unforgettable day. These are the moments that define us as football fans – moments we hold dear, etched forever in our memories.
