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.
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“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.
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