Report from Sportpesa
Julius Masaba scored his first-ever goal in the Mashemeji Derby as AFC Leopards stunned rivals Gor Mahia 0–1 to return to SportPesa League winning ways in the 98th edition of the thrilling match staged at a packed Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.
Ingwe entered the contest desperate to rediscover their winning form in the Premier League after three consecutive matches without victory, while also pursuing their first triumph over Gor Mahia in the Derby since their last win in 2023.
A first-half strike proved decisive, condemning the record champions to a second straight league defeat and denying them the chance to climb to the summit of the table.
ALSO READ: Gor Mahia vs AFC Leopards: Mashemeji Derby head-to-head record & past meetings
The match was barely a minute old when Ingwe began applying pressure, crafting an early opportunity to seize the advantage.
Kayci Odhiambo delivered an excellent cross that found Julius Masaba breaking through Gor’s defense, but Masaba over-dribbled, allowing Omondi to clear as the game quickly gathered momentum.
Gor Mahia crafted their first meaningful attempt in the 20th minute. Enock Morrisson launched a long throw into the box, and Shariff Musa’s turnaround shot was narrowly cut out, thwarting their chance to take the lead.
Five minutes later, Ingwe’s slick interplay unlocked the lead. A composed build-up culminated in James Kinyanjui, on the right wing, sending a volleyed cross into the area.
The ball deflected into the path of Tyson Otieno, whose powerful drive was parried by Omondi, only for the rebound to fall kindly to Julius Masaba inside the box, where he calmly slotted home to give Fred Ambani’s side the advantage.
ALSO READ: Leopards captain highlights key focus area ahead of Mashemeji Derby clash
The remainder of the half was evenly contested until the 46th minute, when Kinyanjui dominant on the right flank, sent another dangerous cross into the box, but Victor Omune’s header missed the target, sending Ingwe into halftime with a 1-0 lead.
The second half began with both sides probing, and Ingwe nearly doubled their advantage just after the restart. Otieno’s well-taken corner found Musa Oundo, but his header sailed over the bar.
AFC Leopards stun Gor mahia in the 98th Mashemeji Derby
Gor Mahia responded with a chance of their own three minutes later.
Odhiambo weaved his way into the box and found Musa, whose shot was comfortably gathered by Katasi. Seeking a spark, Gor made their first substitution, introducing Alpha Onyango for Fidel Origa to inject fresh energy into the midfield.
Gor Mahia made as many as four substitutions, but struggled to create clear openings. The opportunities they did fashion, including a late chance for Shariff Musa who blazed over from inside the box, came to nothing.
Ingwe held on to secure the win, collecting their first three points in the derby in recent memory.
The result propels them to sixth place with 17 points, while Gor Mahia’s second straight defeat leaves them in second, just two points ahead of their rivals.
Gor Mahia vs AFC Leopards – Mashemeji Derby 1st leg Line-ups
Gor: Bryne Omondi, Michael Kibwage, Sylvester Owino, Bryton Onyona, Fidel Origa (Alpha Onyango), Enock Morrisson, Paul Ochouga (Ben Stanley), Ebenezer Adu-kwaw (Patrick Esombe), Shariff Musa, Austin Odhiambo, Felix Oluoch.
Ingwe: Humphrey Katasi, Randi Bakari, Musa Oundo, Kayci Odhiambo (Kennedy Owino), Brian Ojok (Emmanuel Lwangu), Tyson Otieno (Brian Wanyama), Samuel Semo, Boniface Kweyu Munyendo (Kelly Madada), Victor Omune (Victor Otieno), James Kinyanjui, Julius Masaba.