Mashemeji Derby Date Confirmed: AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia Set for Nyayo Stadium Showdown
After months of uncertainty and two postponements, the highly anticipated Mashemeji Derby between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia is finally set to take place. The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has officially confirmed that the first-leg clash will be played on Sunday, March 30, at Nyayo Stadium.
This confirmation comes after multiple failed attempts to secure a venue, with both Nyayo Stadium and Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, previously unavailable. Now, with Nyayo officially open for the fixture, fans can finally look forward to one of the biggest club matches in Kenyan football.
Nyayo Stadium Finally Greenlights the Derby
On Friday, March 21, FKF released a statement confirming that Sports Kenya had granted permission for both teams to use Nyayo Stadium. This decision puts an end to months of venue uncertainty, ensuring that the derby will take place in Nairobi’s most iconic football stadium.
Sasa tupatane uwanjani nyayo #MashemejiDerby 30/03/2025@Officialfkfpl tuko tayari je wewe?#FootballKE #fkfpremierleague #AzamTvBurudaniKwaWote pic.twitter.com/7yC1INDt57
— AzamTV Kenya (@AzamTVKenya) March 22, 2025
The match had initially been scheduled for November 2024, but at the time, Nyayo was declared “not ready” to host the game. Later, in February 2025, AFC Leopards made multiple announcements regarding the venue, first naming Kasarani, then Nyayo, but ultimately missing out on both options. The repeated postponements left fans frustrated, with many questioning why the country’s biggest football match was struggling to find a home.
Why Was the Derby Postponed Twice?
FKF cited AFC Leopards’ failure to secure a suitable venue as the primary reason for the postponements. However, the decision came as a shock to many because Nyayo Stadium had recently hosted international matches.
Just days before FKF’s announcement in February, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) had approved Nyayo Stadium to host Kenya’s FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Gabon, set for Sunday, March 23.
In addition, Kenya’s U17 women’s team played Uganda at Nyayo in a FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier earlier this month. These events raised questions about why the stadium was available for international fixtures but not for the local Mashemeji Derby.
With Nyayo now fully operational, the long-awaited fixture will be the third consecutive weekend match at the venue, following the Harambee Stars vs. Gabon clash and the U17 women’s international fixture.
Nyayo and Kasarani Preparing for CHAN 2025
Nyayo Stadium is among the venues expected to host matches for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August 2025, alongside Kasarani. The reopening of the stadium comes as part of efforts to ensure Kenya is ready for the continental tournament.
The return of club football to Nyayo is a significant boost for both Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, as it allows them to play in front of a larger home crowd.
Gor Mahia Aiming for the Top, Leopards Seeking Redemption
As the derby finally approaches, the stakes could not be higher for both teams.
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Gor Mahia: A win against their arch-rivals could propel K’Ogalo to the top of the league table, depending on other results. This would be a major boost in their hunt for the league title.
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AFC Leopards: Ingwe, on the other hand, have not won a Mashemeji Derby since May 2023. A victory in this clash would see them move up to fourth place in the league standings, reigniting their season and boosting morale.
Fans Excited for a Long-Awaited Showdown
With the match now officially scheduled, excitement is building among fans from both sides. The Mashemeji Derby has long been the biggest fixture in Kenyan football, drawing massive crowds and creating an electric atmosphere both inside and outside the stadium.
This edition promises to be no different. With Nyayo Stadium back in use, supporters of both clubs will get a chance to witness the action live, in what is expected to be a thrilling encounter.
As March 30 approaches, all eyes will be on Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards as they prepare for a historic showdown at Nyayo Stadium.
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