Mashemeji Derby: Mukhekhe backs Ingwe to edge Gor Mahia

The daggers have been drawn, and the drums of war readied as archrivals AFC Leopards lock horns with Gor Mahia in a fierce battle for supremacy in the FKF-PL contest this Sunday at Nyayo Stadium.

The 98th ‘Mashemeji’ derby pitting league leaders Gor (19) and seventh-placed Ingwe (14) will be a clear opportunity for the former to open a gap at the top, while the latter will seek to cut the gap to only two points.

The derby was forcefully rescheduled from November 30th to this weekend due to logistical challenges with Kasarani Stadium and Nyayo Stadium being booked earlier for the Nairobi United CAF Confederations Cup match and a national event consecutively.

Former Leopards right back Boniface Mukhekhe believes they have an edge over their traditional rivals Gor, thanks to head coach Fred Ambani’s unbeaten record in the tie.

Ambani stands unbeaten in his playing days in the 90s and will seek to extend this as coach, having collected two points from their last two fixtures last season, which ended in draws.

“His experience will be in play because he understands what this tie looks like and what to expect from it, having run out his stay at the den as a player unbeaten.

He is now the head coach, and I am convinced that with hard work and determination, the Leopards are capable of seeing off their rivals,” Mukhekhe said.

Mukhekhe, who is currently featuring for MOFA FC in the National Super League,

“I believe in AFC Leopards because they have capable players surrounded by a good technical bench and management that knows what they want. This is a team that can even challenge for a top finish this season,” said the soft-spoken Mukhekhe, who is currently in Homabay.

Mukhekhe has also singled out the importance of fans in the biggest tie in the country.

“During our time, the derby was always unpredictable, and anyone could come out victorious or even come out with a draw. I know this is kind of a fixture—that fans put pressure on their team to perform—and so it brings with it a certain pressure.

This is the biggest fixture in Kenya and beyond, and so it is a must for the team to prepare psychologically,” Mukhekhe anchored.

The two rivals managed two draws in their last season fixtures, and Gor have so far managed six wins, a draw, and two losses, while Ingwe have won three, drawn five, and lost in the league so far.