Mashemeji Derby: Leopards Will Not hand Gor The Title, Mbungo
17th May 2019
Both clubs proceed to the game on the backdrop of midweek defeats in their respective fixtures
- While Gor will be out to extend their derby win to four games in a row, Leopards have admitted they will fight for bragging rights in the expected tough challenge pitting two of the oldest clubs in the SportPesa Premier League (SPL)
- The Rwandese tactician was optimistic that his side that is currently nursing several injuries will be ready by then
- Gor who are almost assured of an 18th domestic league title, have won six of the last seven Mashemeji Derby contests with the other ending in a 1-1 stalemate
NAIROBI, Kenya- Eternal rivals Gor Mahia FC and AFC Leopards SC are set to clash in the 86th Mashemeji Derby at Moi International Sports Center Kasarani in Nairobi on Sunday.
While Gor will be out to extend their derby win to four games in a row, Leopards have admitted they will fight for bragging rights in the expected tough challenge pitting two of the oldest clubs in the SportPesa Premier League (SPL).
Leopards head coach, Andre Cassa Mbungo said on Friday that their opponents who are also the SPL leaders head to the tie a better side with hopes of retaining the trophy.
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“Gor Mahia have done better this season and I think they will win the league but we don’t want this particular game to be the one that gives them the title.
“Nonetheless, this is a derby and we are ready to fight for the bragging rights. It’s the 90 minutes that will determines the winner,” Mbungo underlined.
The Rwandese tactician was optimistic that his side that is currently nursing several injuries will be ready by then.
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“I hope to have a full squad by Sunday to help me battle for the bragging rights and the three points that are at stake.
“But the most important thing for me now that the season is almost over is to plan for the next term by recruiting wisely and building a team that can challenge for the crown,” he underscored.
His opposite number, Hassan Oktay said Gor have prepared well and are ready to take Leopards head on.
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“My boys are in good shape, I’m optimistic we shall have a good game which will cultivate in victory,” Oktay highlighted.
“I know Leopards recruited well during the mid-season and they have a good team but this is a derby and we are going to fight for the points,” he emphasised.
Both clubs proceed to the game on the backdrop of midweek defeats in their respective fixtures.
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Gor were stunned 1-0 by hosts Nzoia Sugar at Mumias Sports Complex on Wednesday as Leopards suffered a similar fate in the hands of Kenya Commercial Bank FC at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on the day.
Gor who are almost assured of an 18th domestic league title, have won six of the last seven Mashemeji Derby contests with the other ending in a 1-1 stalemate.
They are currently perched at the SPL summit where they are commanding the log on 66 points, eight better than second placed Bandari FC who thrashed visiting Tusker FC 3-1 on Thursday at Mbaraki Stadium in Mombasa.
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Leopards on the other hand are in ninth on 39 and victory against Gor will give them better ranking in top ten.
SPL WEEKEND FIXTURES
Saturday 18th May
Mt Kenya United vs Sony Sugar FC – Machakos – 2 PM
Kariobangi Sharks vs KCB FC – Kasarani – 3 PM
Nzoia Sugar FC vs Sofapaka – Sudi – 3 PM
Posta Rangers vs Kakamega Homeboyz – Machakos – 4:15 PM
Sunday 19th May
Western Stima vs Mathare United – Kisumu – 2 PM
AFC Leopards vs Gor Mahia – Kasarani – 4:15 PM
Chemelil Sugar FC vs Ulinzi Stars – Chemelil – 3 PM
Vihiga United vs Tusker FC – Mumias – 3 PM
Bandari vs Zoo FC – Mbaraki – 3 PM