AFC Leopards, Gor Mahia captains laud fans for massive derby turnout

Part of the crowd at the Mashemeji Derby earlier today (C) FKF Media

By Michael Kirwa
Sunday, March 30, 2025

AFC Leopards captain Lewis Bandi and Gor Mahia skipper Geoffrey Ochieng' have praised fans for filling Nyayo National Stadium during the 96th Mashemeji Derby. The match ended in a goalless draw, but both captains credited the packed stands for inspiring their teams’ performances. Coaches Fred Ambani and Sinisa Mihic also shared their thoughts on the intense encounter.

AFC Leopards captain Lewis Bandi and his Gor Mahia counterpart Geoffrey Ochieng' have praised Ingwe and K'Ogalo fans for turning up in large numbers to support their teams at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday during the 96th league meeting between the two clubs.

The match ended in a goalless draw, a result both captains attributed to the determination and effort displayed by both teams.

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"The massive turnout inspired us to give our best today. On the pitch, we could feel the presence of the fans, and that pushed us to ensure we didn't let them down," said AFC Leopards captain Lewis Bandi.

"Some players were experiencing their first derby, and playing in front of such a large crowd was an unforgettable experience for them. The derby provides a huge platform for players to showcase their talent, and we did that today," he added.

His Gor Mahia counterpart, Geoffrey Ochieng', echoed his sentiments, saying, "Seeing Nyayo that full gave us great morale. We hope fans continue showing up in such large numbers for our matches. As a player, witnessing such a crowd adds immense meaning to the hard work and sacrifices we make for the sport."

Ochieng' also expressed satisfaction with the result, stating, "At Gor Mahia, we always aim to win because we want to represent the country in the CAF Champions League. A win would have been ideal, but a draw keeps us on track. A defeat would have been devastating for both us and the fans. Now, we shift our focus to winning our remaining games to ensure we defend our title."

Also speaking after the match, AFC Leopards coach Fred Ambani, who was in charge of his first Mashemeji Derby, expressed satisfaction with the result, which maintained his unbeaten record against Gor Mahia, having never lost to them as a player for AFC Leopards.

"The match was very tactical and could have gone either way. I take pride in never losing to Gor Mahia in the derby," said Ambani, who won the league with AFC Leopards in 1998.

On his part, Gor Mahia coach Sinisa Mihic expected more from the match and felt his side should have secured the win after dominating the second half.

"We were poor in the first half, but we controlled the second half. We had chances to win the game, but our finishing let us down," he said.