Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards played out a 1-1 draw in the 97th Mashemeji Derby in Homa Bay. Photo: Kevin Teya X
Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards fans can start planning early for next seasonโs Mashemeji Derby after the dates for the high stakes fixtures were revealed.
Following several postponements of the Mashemeji Derby last season, the 2025-26 campaign is set to be different.
The Football Kenya Federation Premier League faced plenty of challenges when it came to match venues last season but thanks to the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN 2024), there will be no such issues next season when it comes to the biggest league fixture in the country.
Gor Mahia and AFC leopards had never clashed out of Nairobi but Homa Bay County hosted the second Mashemeji Derby of last season after Gor Mahia failed to secure either Kasarani or Nyayo Stadium for the high stakes fixture as the two facilities were under renovation for CHAN 2024.
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Gor Mahia have added three key defensive players from the CHAN 2024 squad to boost their backline.
Following the fixture list for the 2025-26 season released on Wednesday, both Gor Mahia and Leopards fans can now start planning in advance as there is clarity on the dates and venues for the two matches.
The first Mashemeji Derby of the season will be staged on November 30, 2025 with Gor Mahia being the host team and it is scheduled to be played at the new-look Kasarani Stadium.
The second derby clash will have a bearing on the destiny of the title race as the two sides will clash again in the league on April 26, 2026, with Leopards the home team this time, and Ingwe are planned to stage the match at Nyayo Stadium, which had been their home before the CHAN 2024 renovations began.
Boniface Ambani has claimed that Lewis Bandi’s surprise move to Gor Mahia blindsided AFC Leopards despite his ongoing support for the defender.
Both teams will be hoping for a change in fortunes next season after both Mashemeji Derbies ended in draws last term, the first one ending 0-0 at Nyayo Stadium in March before the second one was played out to a 1-1 draw in June in Homa Bay.
While Ingwe have kept faith coach Fred Ambani, Gor Mahia went to West African in search for coaching solutions with Ghanaian Charles Akonnor handed the reigns in July and unless both of them disappoint early in the season, they will likely square it off in the first Mashemeji Derby of the campaign.
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