Mashemeji Derby Returns to Kasarani as Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards Set for 97th Showdown
Kenyan football fans can now mark their calendars as Gor Mahia officially confirmed the venue and date for the highly anticipated second leg of the Mashemeji Derby. The clash between arch-rivals Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards will take place on Sunday, 11 May, at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
This announcement ends days of speculation surrounding the venue of the country’s most iconic club fixture. Gor Mahia, who will act as hosts for this 97th edition of the derby, made the news official via their X (formerly Twitter) account, sharing photos of club officials inspecting the stadium’s readiness.
The delegation, including Vice Chair Sally Bolo, Secretary General Nick Arum, and Treasurer Gerphas Okuku, visited Kasarani to assess the newly upgraded facility and gave it the green light for hosting Sunday’s high-stakes encounter.
A Historic Match Returns to a Renovated Icon
The clash will be the first major domestic game at the 60,000-seater Kasarani Stadium since its closure in August 2023 for renovations. The facelift was part of Kenya’s preparation for upcoming continental tournaments, including the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
With CHAN just three months away, the government has fast-tracked works at the venue to ensure it’s ready. The Mashemeji Derby will serve as a critical test event to assess the stadium’s readiness and functionality ahead of the continental tournament.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF), fans, and local officials will be keeping a close eye on the operations, logistics, and stadium security measures during the derby, especially following recent crowd trouble witnessed during Gor Mahia’s visit to Gusii Stadium.
| UPDATE
Club officials: Vice Chair Sally Bolo, Secretary General Nick Arum and Treasurer Gerphas Okuku at Kasarani Stadium to check on the venue that will stage Mashemeji Derby on Sunday. All set for the big match. #Sirkal pic.twitter.com/O4BponKjsH
— GOR MAHIA FC (@OfficialGMFC) May 5, 2025
Two Giants, One Title Race
This particular installment of the derby carries massive weight, especially for Gor Mahia, who are chasing their 22nd FKF Premier League title. With just five matches left in the season, K’Ogalo sit second on the table with 53 points, two behind leaders Kenya Police FC after 29 matches played.
A win over their bitter rivals would not only provide bragging rights but could also tilt the title race in their favor. AFC Leopards, meanwhile, are sixth with 42 points and are looking to finish the season on a high note under pressure from fans to return to winning ways in derby clashes.
The first leg between the two ended in a goalless draw at Nyayo Stadium on March 30, a cagey affair that failed to produce fireworks. However, with Kasarani’s grand return as the backdrop and the title on the line, the rematch promises to be more dramatic and intense.
Fan Tension and Stadium Security in Focus
The buildup to this derby has not been without controversy. The recent clash between Gor Mahia and Shabana FC at Gusii Stadium ended in chaos, with violence erupting in the stands and play suspended twice due to crowd trouble.
Authorities are now expected to beef up security measures at Kasarani, and club officials have urged both sets of supporters to observe calm and sportsmanship during the game. Kasarani’s larger capacity and improved infrastructure should help ease some of the crowd control issues witnessed in smaller venues.
Kasarani Derby Brings Nostalgia and Anticipation
The Mashemeji Derby’s return to Kasarani also brings a sense of nostalgia. For years, the stadium was the go-to venue for this fixture, drawing tens of thousands of fans in colorful fashion. With the stadium upgrades completed, the derby now has a grand stage befitting its status as Kenya’s biggest football spectacle.
The decision to host the match at the reopened Kasarani also speaks volumes about the government’s commitment to revamping local football infrastructure. The upgraded facility is expected to meet international standards, and Sunday’s derby will provide an ideal occasion to show the world what Kenyan football can deliver.
Crunch Time in FKF Premier League
As the season approaches its climax, the pressure is building on both teams. Gor Mahia cannot afford to drop points, especially with Kenya Police maintaining their strong form at the summit. AFC Leopards, on the other hand, have shown glimpses of improvement but remain inconsistent.
For K’Ogalo, this could be a defining fixture in their campaign — a chance to take control of the title race and silence doubters. For Ingwe, spoiling the party for their rivals and reclaiming pride will be motivation enough.
Either way, all eyes will be on Kasarani on Sunday, and with both history and glory on the line, the 97th Mashemeji Derby is shaping up to be one for the ages.
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