The Mashemeji derby was originally scheduled for November 30th at Moi Kasarani Stadium, but logistical issues led to a change. Both teams enter the derby with mixed results from their opening matches in the top division.

While Gor Mahia currently lead the 18-team Premier League table with 19 points from nine games,AFC Leopards sit sixth with 14 points from the same number of matches.

Gor Mahia, commonly known as K’Ogalo, have recorded six wins, one draw and two losses, whereas AFC Leopards, nicknamed Ingwe, have achieved three wins, five draws, and one defeat. As of 2025, Gor Mahia holds a record 21 Kenyan Premier League titles, while AFC Leopards have won 12 championships.

‘I don’t feel pressure during the derby’

Ahead of the eagerly awaited first derby of the season, Ambani, who played in this derby representing AFC Leopards during his career, stated he has already mentally prepared his players to perform and secure a deserved victory without feeling pressured.

“I’ve never experienced pressure going into the derby. To be honest, if you don’t treat the derby like any other game without pressure, you will harm yourself and ruin your game plan,” Ambani said.

“If I, as the coach, feel pressure before the derby, what about my players? It means they lose the match even before stepping on the pitch. I tell the players there is no pressure before the derby and encourage them to stay calm, but they must understand the only pressure is to deliver a win for the fans.

“If players come trying to prove something to the fans, they will likely fail. But if a player steps onto the field ready to perform at their best, that’s what matters most — giving their all, and everything else will follow.”

On how AFC Leopards’ management has motivated the players ahead of the match, Ambani said: “We have encouraged self-motivation among the players; it depends on them. Even if you motivate them but they aren’t prepared, it’s pointless. Many think motivation is about incentives, but this game itself offers plenty to inspire our players.

“This is a major match, attracting many spectators and scouts. It’s a chance to showcase yourself to the world. If that doesn’t motivate you, then you’re in the wrong profession.”

AFC Leopards to treat derby as a regular match

Speaking for the players, forward James Kinyanjui, who transferred to AFC from fellow Premier League team Mathare United shared his thoughts ahead of his first derby: “This will be a significant milestone in my career. I’ve never played in this derby before, so it’s my first time and I feel proud and eagerly await the moment.

“In our Kenyan league, only Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards have large fan bases. Most teams I’ve played for didn’t have that, so this motivates me to help AFC Leopards climb the league standings. We aim to improve our position.”

Kinyanjui added: “We will treat the match like a normal league game. We want to make our supporters proud, and we are pumped up for the derby. The match itself is motivation enough; no extra push is needed. There’s no better game to get back to winning ways than the derby.”

“The derby itself is our only motivation. Everyone is fired up and ready, including those who haven’t played since the season began. They are looking forward to the derby.

“We have gone three games without a win, which weighs heavily on us. We must return to winning form, and we believe our fans deserve this derby victory above all else. Our present to them will be the derby win.”

In the last five league encounters, AFC Leopards have defeated Gor Mahia only once. This occurred during the 2022/23 season when Ingwe won 2-1 with goals from Maxwell Otieno and Victor Omune.

Since then, four matches have either favored Gor Mahia or ended in draws. In 2023/24, Gor Mahia secured a double over AFC Leopards, winning the first game 2-0 and the return leg 1-0.

Last season, the first round ended 0-0, while Ingwe came back from a goal down to earn a 1-1 draw in the second meeting.