No Stadium, No Mashemeji Derby: Gor vs AFC postponed amid CHAN venue crisis

The Mashemeji Derby between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards has been postponed after stadium complications linked to CHAN 2025 preparations left organisers without a viable venue.
The much-anticipated FKF Premier League clash between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards - better known as the Mashemeji Derby - has been postponed due to a stadium crisis, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) confirmed on Friday.
Originally slated for Sunday, May 11 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, the match was thrown into uncertainty after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) flagged the stadium as unavailable due to ongoing preparations for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
CAF had recommended that the match be moved to the Ulinzi Sports Complex and played behind closed doors. However, the venue declined, citing safety concerns and the risk of vandalism.
More To Read
- Tickets sell out for Kenya’s CHAN 2024 opener against DR Congo
- No vuvuzelas, megaphones or takeaway food: CHAN organisers announce strict rules ahead of tournament
- MPs demand early crowd control plans as Kenya gears up to co-host CHAN 2024
- More prize money for CHAN 2024 as CAF raises stakes
- All you need to know about the final 25 players to represent Kenya at CHAN 2024
- Musonye and Mvurya rally support as Kenya finalises CHAN 2024 preparations
“The venue declined to host the match, citing internal concerns around safety and the risk of vandalism,” FKF said in a statement dated May 9.
With no other suitable stadium available, FKF met with both clubs to formally communicate the postponement. “The two clubs have been formally informed of the situation and are aware of the reasons behind the decision to postpone the fixture,” the federation added.
FKF expressed regret over the disruption, noting: “This fixture remains one of the most anticipated on the Kenyan football calendar, and we regret the inconvenience this change may cause to supporters, clubs, and partners.”
A new date for the derby will be announced in due course.
Top Stories Today