Wanyama’s wonder strike derails Gor Mahia’s title chase in Mashemeji Derby draw

• Kenya Police will be crowned the 2024/2025 Kenya Premier League champions if they get one point from their remaining two games
• The law enforcers were given a clear run after AFC Leopards held Gor Mahia to a frustrating one-all draw in the Mashemeji derby
• Brian Wanyama cancelled out Austine Odhiambo’s goal as both teams settled for a point at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay

Gor Mahia’s hopes of winning a third consecutive FKF Premier League title took a heavy blow after they were held to a 1-1 draw by bitter rivals AFC Leopards in a heated Mashemeji Derby on Monday at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homabay County.

It was the 97th edition of the derby between Kenya’s most successful football clubs, and it didn’t disappoint. Despite Gor Mahia taking a first-half lead through a stunning goal from midfielder Austin Odhiambo, it was AFC Leopards who had the final say as Brian Wanyama’s powerful volley in the second half snatched a point for Ingwe.

The result leaves Gor Mahia second on the table with 55 points from 32 matches, six points behind league leaders Kenya Police FC with just two fixtures remaining.

Bright Start Ends in Frustration for Gor Mahia

Heading into the derby, K’Ogalo were in desperate need of a win to close the gap at the top. Interim head coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno named a strong lineup led by captain Philemon Otieno and goal-scoring duo Samuel Onyango and Benson Omalla. The midfield was anchored by Lawrence Owino and Alpha Onyango, with Austin Odhiambo tasked with creative duties.

The game began with Gor Mahia applying early pressure. In the 12th minute, Odhiambo came close to opening the scoring with a long-range effort, but AFC Leopards goalkeeper Levis Opiyo recovered quickly to save. Minutes later, Omalla had a golden opportunity to score from a Stanley Omondi cross, but his diving header flew inches wide.

After sustained pressure, Gor finally got their breakthrough in the 31st minute. Alpha Onyango initiated a move from midfield, linking up with Lawrence Owino who delivered a fine pass to Odhiambo. The attacking midfielder danced past two defenders before unleashing a fierce right-footed strike past a helpless Opiyo to give K’Ogalo the lead.

HT

Austine Odhiambo’s goal gives Gor a lead at halftime

Gor Mahia 1⃣-0⃣ AFC Leopards#MashemejiDerby #FKFPL pic.twitter.com/TvE8gPqnzf

— FKF Premier League (@Officialfkfpl) June 2, 2025

Leopards Grow into the Game

Despite going behind, Ingwe didn’t collapse. Kaycie Odhiambo almost found the equaliser five minutes later when he charged through the middle and played in Christopher Koloti, but Gor captain Philemon Otieno was quick to snuff out the danger.

AFC Leopards, under coach Fred Ambani, started gaining more confidence as the match progressed. With key defender Randy Bakari suspended, the backline was held together by youthful faces like Bandi Lewis, Vincent Mahiga, and Ken Odhiambo.

Ingwe’s midfield, driven by Musa Oundo and Victor Otieno, gradually took control. Gor’s attempts to slow the game were met with relentless pressure from the Leopards, who came out of the halftime break determined to flip the script.

Wanyama’s Moment of Magic

Five minutes into the second half, AFC Leopards got their reward. A defensive lapse from Gor Mahia saw a loose ball fall kindly to Brian Wanyama just outside the box. Without hesitation, Wanyama struck a thunderous left-footed volley that flew past goalkeeper Gad Mathews to level the score at 1-1.

……

A Brian Wanyama moment
A # moment
A happy moment # | # pic.twitter.com/ZEtphWVrSl

— AFC Leopards SC (@AFCLeopards) June 2, 2025

The goal sent the Leopards’ bench and travelling fans into wild celebrations, as it not only revived memories of classic derby moments but also dented Gor Mahia’s title push at a crucial time.

Moments earlier, Gor Mahia had made their first change, bringing on Paul Ochuoga for captain Philemon Otieno. But Wanyama’s equaliser shifted momentum in favour of Ingwe, who pressed for a second while Gor Mahia looked rattled.

Stalemate with High Stakes

The match remained tightly contested for the rest of the second half, with both sides creating half-chances. However, neither team was able to find a winner. For AFC Leopards, it was a hard-earned point that denied their arch-rivals an opportunity to close the gap at the top of the FKF Premier League table.

The result extends Ingwe’s modest recent record against K’Ogalo. While Gor Mahia had won both derbies last season and dominated recent head-to-heads, AFC Leopards have now held their rivals to two draws this campaign, having also drawn 0-0 in the first leg at Nyayo Stadium.

For all the tension and drama, the draw means Gor Mahia stay locked on 55 points, level with Tusker FC, but still behind Police FC who sit on 61 points. With only two games left, the title race remains intense.

Historic Rivalry, Unforgettable Atmosphere

Monday’s clash served as another reminder of why the Mashemeji Derby is Kenya’s biggest football fixture. With both sets of fans turning out in large numbers, the stadium was alive with colour, noise, and pride.

While the draw may feel like a missed opportunity for Gor Mahia, it was a statement of resilience from AFC Leopards. Their young squad, missing key players, stood tall against their oldest rivals and delivered a result that could shape the outcome of this season’s title race.

As the final whistle blew in Homabay, both teams walked off knowing they had played their part in another memorable chapter of Kenyan football’s most iconic rivalry.

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