Mashemeji Derby: AFC Leopards Boss Drops Big Claim After 'Historic' Victory Over Gor Mahia

AFC Leopards secured a momentous 1-0 victory over their eternal rivals Gor Mahia in the highly charged 98th Mashemeji Derby at a packed Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday, December 7, 2025.

The decisive blow was struck in the 26th minute by forward Julius Masaba, whose clinical finish not only sealed the crucial three points but also ended Ingwe's winless streak against K'Ogalo, marking their first derby triumph since June 2023.

The lone goal provided the foundation for an organised and resolute defensive display by Coach Fred Ambani's men for the remaining hour of the contest.

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Gor Mahia pressed relentlessly for an equaliser, bringing on fresh legs in the second half, but were continuously frustrated by a disciplined AFC Leopards backline. Their best chance came late in added time, but a volley from Shariff Musa sailed over the bar.

AFC Leopards chairman Boniface Ambani explained that there was another intense local clash, where the Leopardess edged Gor Mahia Queens by a single goal.

He noted that the squad had already secured points earlier in the day, with the ladies triumphing, but acknowledged that the derby triumph carried a unique emotional weight.

According to Boniface Ambani, claiming victory in such a fiercely contested fixture felt extraordinary and deeply satisfying.

“Today, we had another local derby, the Leopardess were playing Gor Mahia ladies, and we won 1-0. By the time this derby was kicking off, we had three points already. Winning this derby for me is wonderful, just out of this world,” Boniface Ambani said after the match.

Boniface Ambani added that stepping into his first derby as club president carried special significance, noting that the players had shown strong energy in training and were beginning to grasp the intensity that comes with such high-stakes fixtures.

The AFC Leopards chairman explained that the result mattered greatly, especially because the team had trailed Gor Mahia by a considerable margin beforehand, and the victory narrowed that gap to just two points.

According to Boniface Ambani, the outcome offered both momentum and pride, giving the club a sense of superiority after the tightly contested encounter.

He went on to reflect on the moment’s wider meaning, recalling that during his playing days, he had never been on the losing end of this rivalry, and felt that beginning his tenure in office with another positive result added to that tradition.

“This is my first derby as the president of the club, and the boys have been upbeat in training; they are now starting to understand what a derby is. This win is quite important because coming into the derby, we were about five points behind Gor Mahia, and now, we have cut it to two points,” Boniface Ambani added.

“To us, it’s a plus and winning the derby means we have the bragging rights. This is historic, we have never lost when I used to play against Gor Mahia and now being in office, we have started off well. The derby is now history and we are now focusing on the next game and what we plan to do.”

AFC Leopards now shift their attention to Kenya Police FC, determined to build on their momentum and extend their winning run.