Gor Mahia seeks Mashemeji Derby postponement over venue hitch
In a statement signed by Secretary General Nicanor Arum, Gor Mahia confirmed they were unable to secure a stadium for the derby.
One of Kenya’s biggest football spectacles, the Mashemeji Derby, is once again shrouded in uncertainty, continuing a trend in recent years where the high-profile fixture has repeatedly faced scheduling disruptions. This year’s edition is no exception.
Supporters of Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards will have to wait longer for the highly anticipated 98th meeting between the two rivals after host club Gor Mahia requested the postponement of the match, originally slated for later this week. The club cited the unavailability of a suitable venue.
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In a statement signed by Secretary General Nicanor Arum, Gor Mahia confirmed they were unable to secure a stadium for the derby.
“I write to formally notify your office that, as the host team for the forthcoming League match against AFC Leopards (Derby), we have been unable to secure a suitable venue for the fixture. In light of this challenge, we kindly request that the match be postponed to a later date to be communicated by your office in due course,” the communication read.
“We sincerely regret any inconvenience this may cause and assure you of our commitment to ensuring that the match proceeds smoothly once the new date is confirmed.”
The statement came a day after Gor Mahia suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to league newcomers APS Bomet on Tuesday, November 25, at Nyayo Stadium.
The derby had initially been scheduled for November 30 at Kasarani Stadium but was moved because the venue will host the CAF Confederation Cup group-stage clash between Nairobi United and Morocco's Wydad AC.
Gor Mahia had then settled for Nyayo Stadium and pushed the derby forward to November 29. However, following their unexpected setback on Tuesday, the club appeared to reconsider the plan.
The loss to APS Bomet was a shock result, with Gor Mahia widely expected to cruise past the debutants. Bomet, however, have now collected two wins since joining the league, one of them against the record champions.
Gor Mahia themselves admitted their discomfort, posting: “We find ourselves in an unfamiliar situation here at Nyayo Stadium as Bomet score the fourth goal.”
Gor began the match brightly, taking the lead through George Amonno, who netted his first goal for the club three months after signing. But APS Bomet responded emphatically.
A hat-trick from former AFC Leopards player Hansel Ochieng in the 39th, 42nd, and 75th minutes turned the game on its head before Rodgers Kipkemoi sealed the result with a late fourth.
The derby’s new date is expected to be announced once a venue is confirmed.
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