Fred Ambani masterminded a tactical masterclass that made Gor Mahia look ordinary in the 96th Mashemeji Derby. The highly anticipated clash between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia on March 30 at the Nyayo Stadium was finally played after being postponed twice, living up to its reputation with drama, fireworks, and a goalless draw.
The match was significant for the league standings, with Gor Mahia needing a win to keep pressure on title contenders Police and Tusker, both of whom had secured victories over the weekend. However, AFC Leopards’ defensive resilience and disciplined tactics ensured Gor Mahia failed to take all three points.
While Gor Mahia seemed the stronger side on paper, Ambani deserves credit for orchestrating a strategy that effectively neutralized their attacking strengths. Prior to the match, Ambani had confidently stated that he had never lost a derby against Gor Mahia as a player and did not intend to do so as a coach. True to his word, he set up his team with a clear game plan that frustrated Gor Mahia.
As a former striker known for his goal-scoring prowess with AFC Leopards and Harambee Stars, Ambani approached the match boldly. He fielded an aggressive lineup and utilized a combative tactical setup. Understanding the midfield quality of Gor Mahia, which featured Enock Morrison, Alpha Onyango, and Rolls Royce Austin Odhiambo, Ambani deployed a three-man midfield to counter their dominance.
The trio of Musa Oundo, Boniface Kweyu, and Kelly Madada was carefully selected for its balance. Oundo provided defensive cover with his tackling abilities, Kweyu brought energy, and Madada offered creativity. This 4-3-3 setup was primarily a man-to-man approach that limited Gor Mahia’s ability to control possession and dictate play.
Oundo, in particular, was crucial in disrupting Gor Mahia’s rhythm. His aggressive approach saw him receive a yellow card in the first half for a hard tackle on Sheriff Musa, but it was a necessary move to stifle Gor Mahia’s attack. His role was vital in cutting off passing lanes and preventing the opposition from building their usual fluid attacks.
Defensively, AFC Leopards were rock solid. The central defensive partnership of Odhiambo Kaycie and Semo Samuel ensured that Gor Mahia’s aerial threats were dealt with effectively. Despite Gor Mahia’s attempts to utilize wide play and deliver crosses into the box, the defensive duo remained firm. Additionally, when AFC Leopards lost possession, their wingers dropped deep into midfield, further frustrating Gor Mahia’s attempts to control the tempo.
Although Gor Mahia had more possession and looked superior in the second half, the statistics showed a closely contested match. Recognizing Gor Mahia’s tactical shift to a 3-4-3 formation, which allowed Paul Ochuoga and Alphonce Omija to push forward as wingbacks, AFC Leopards adjusted accordingly. Their defensive discipline ensured that Gor Mahia’s attacking play did not translate into goals.
Last season, Gor Mahia secured maximum points from AFC Leopards, but this time, Ambani’s well-thought-out approach made a crucial difference. As both teams prepare for the second leg of the Mashemeji Derby on April 6, AFC Leopards may have found the blueprint to not only stop Gor Mahia from dominating them but also derail their title aspirations. Ambani’s tactical awareness and his players’ execution of the plan proved decisive, setting the stage for an intriguing rematch in the coming weeks.
