AFC Leopards will host bitter rivals Gor Mahia in the 96th edition of the Mashemeji Derby at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday March 30.
The match had been postponed twice, first in November, and then early this month, owing to the lack of a suitable venue.
However, the two eternal rivals were given access to Nyayo Stadium for the match with Sunday set as the date when the two will finally meet.
The match comes at a time when both sides have contracting fortunes in the FKF Premier League given that while they are unbeaten in their last five matches.
Leopards have secured just one win and drawn four, three of those stalemates coming from their last three matches to stay in fifth place on the table.
Gor Mahia, meanwhile, have three wins and two draws over that period and come into the match on the back of two straight victories that have left them in third place, just three points off top spot, and with a game in hand.
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Leopards last beat Gor Mahia in May 2023, handing K’Ogalo a 2-1 defeat that saw them end a 15-match winless run against the record Kenyan champions.
Leopards lost to Gor Mahia both home and away last season and need to avoid a third straight defeat on Sunday.
With points, pride and bragging rights at stake, both coach Sinisa Mihic of Gor Mahia and his Leopards counterpart Fred Ambani will have to field strong teams that will produce the best possible outcome.
Gor Mahia coach Sinisa Mihic revealed that playmaker Austin Odhiambo will need to pass a late fitness test as he recently returned from injury and the tactician will be hoping that this is the case given how vital the midfielder has been.
Odhiambo has eight goals already this season and also contributed a number of assists. His importance to K’Ogalo cannot be over emphasised.
However, ‘Prodigal Son’ Benson Omala will not be involved as he is yet to get clearance to play for Gor Mahia after returning to the club in the midseason transfer window.
Meanwhile, home team AFC Leopards have no major concerns heading into the match as coach Fred Ambani expects a full house.
