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| Image Credit: Gor Mahia Net |
It is time once again for the Mashemeji derby which pits Kenya’s two
most supported teams. The two teams will meet on Sunday at the Nyayo
national stadium in the latest installment of a rivalry that goes back
45 years.
On current form, Gor Mahia should have the upper hand as Leopards are
in 12th place having recentky lost to Nairobi City stars. But when it
comes to this derby, current form is not usually much of a factor. Last
year Leopards were in top form and looked set to run away with the
league title when they came up against a Gor Mahia side that was in poor
form and battling in the relegation zone. However Gor Mahia managed to
force a scoreless draw even after having Ali Abondo ejected from the
game and thus, earning himself the nickname “tear gas”.
Leopards will be depending on Mike Baraza who seems to score in every
derby game since 2011. To counter him, Gor Mahia will count on skipper
Jerim Onyango who has been in superb form between the sticks as well as
David Owino “Jashirati” , Ivan Anguyo and Israel Emuge who will be
experiencing the Mashemeji derby for the first time.
Gor Mahia will have the psychological edge having won the last three
matches. But leopards will be hoping their new coach, Luc Eymeael can
come up with a formula to end their run of bad results against their
arch rivals. They will also be counting in their new young charges,
Pattilah Omoto and Edwin Seda to rise to the occasion.
Gor Mahia for their part will be counting on Kevin Omondi, Moses
Odhiambo and Anthony Akumu to create scoring chances while hoping that
Dan Sserunkuma, Rama Salim and Edwin Lavatsa bring their scoring boots.