AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia could not find the back of the net as the 96th edition of the Mashemeji Derby ended in a goalless draw.
This was the 35th draw between the two arch-rivals in a match that was played in front of a sold-out crowd at Nyayo National Stadium. Despite the lack of goals, the encounter was an entertaining affair with both sides displaying high intensity and attacking intent.
The game began with both teams showing determination, and it was Gor Mahia who nearly broke the deadlock first. In the 18th minute, Joshua Onyango unleashed a powerful shot from an Erick Morrison freekick, but his effort deflected off Samuel Semo, denying K’Ogalo an early lead.
Just three minutes later, Shariff Musa found himself with a great opportunity to score, but Leopards’ goalkeeper Levis Opiyo pulled off a fantastic save to keep the game level. Gor Mahia continued to pile on the pressure, and in the 25th minute, left-back Geoffrey ‘Simiti’ Ochieng was left unmarked at the back post but his weak effort was easily gathered by Opiyo.
AFC Leopards’ first real chance came just before halftime when Opiyo initiated an attack, passing the ball to Semo, who delivered a cross to Boniface Munyendo. However, Munyendo failed to capitalize on the opportunity, sending his shot off target.
In the second half, Gor Mahia had yet another great chance to take the lead. Musa, finding himself unmarked in the box, received a precise cross from Paul Ochuoga but failed to keep his shot on target, firing over the bar with only Opiyo to beat.
Leopards had a promising opportunity in the 76th minute when Ronald ‘Bebeto’ Sichenje met a Victor Otieno cross, but his header went wide. Gor Mahia’s Austin Odhiambo, who started the game on the bench, had a golden chance to snatch the victory in the 88th minute. He was played through on goal but narrowly missed the target, his shot drifting just wide.
Both teams had their fair share of missed chances, and despite their attacking efforts, they were unable to find a breakthrough, resulting in a goalless draw.
Following the stalemate, Gor Mahia remains in third place with 43 points, trailing league leaders Kenya Police by eight points but with a game in hand. AFC Leopards, on the other hand, sit in fifth place with 37 points, still in contention for a higher finish as the season progresses.
