Mashemeji Derby: Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards Fans Occupy Nairobi Ahead of Nyayo Clash
- Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards fans turned out in their numbers ahead of the Mashemeji Derby on Sunday, March 30
- Fans of both teams thronged Nairobi CBD, dancing and chanting to the club's songs as they headed to Nyayo National Stadium
- This will be the 96th time the teams are facing each other in their storied history as they attempt to close down league leaders Tusker and Kenya Police
AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia fans have painted the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) blue, white and green ahead of their game this afternoon.
The 96th Mashemeji Derby will take centre stage from 4pm at the Nyayo National Stadium with a lot more than three points at stake.
Source: UGC
The game has already been postponed twice this season as Kenya continued to struggle without an accredited stadium to host such a big game.
Nyayo Stadium, one of the grounds earmarked for CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027, was given a clean bill of health to host the game.
Kenya's men's national team, Harambee Stars, played there last week in a World Cup qualifier game against Gabon.
Ahead of the game, the fans of both teams flocked Nairobi in their resplendent colours, chanting their club's songs.
Gatherings were spotted at Kenya Nationl Archives and in front of Nation Centre before the procession started to Nyayo Stadium.
Police lob teargas at Nyayo Stadium
Police were forced to lob teargas outside the stadium as the ticket verification process turned chaotic.
AFC Leopards, who are the home side for this fixture, had earlier released details of how fans could access the tickets.
Fans also took to social media to express their enthusiasm for the game.
@Rosewood said,
"K'Ogalo must realize today that green grams are not vegetables. Na sio tafadhali."
@Collette Aluda said,
"Please pray for Gor Mahia because this time we're going to teach them football."
While Oduor said,
"After the match, they will come back and have a prayer at the Tom Mboya statue before heading home. Ata governor anajua leo Sirkal have an official duty."
Macharia Mbugua said,
"Whatever the outcome, don't throw stones, please. No matter how angry you are, don't damage the stadium."
Source: Twitter
The vibrant atmosphere failed to translate to the pitch as the two sides played out a drab game. No side found the breakthrough inside the 90 minutes as they both picked up a point.
Last season's Most Valuable Player, Austine Odhiambo, started on the bench after recovering from an injury.
He was brought on in the second half but failed to impact the game as the Green Army fell behind league leaders, Kenya Police and Tusker FC.
Does Gor Mahia use juju?
TUKO.co.ke has previously reported on Gor Mahia's response to claims they use juju during the Mashemeji Derby.
AFC Leopards goalkeeper Levis Opiyo made the claims last year, saying an unmaned Gor Mahia staff member used the dark arts on him during the derbies.
Opiyo is a former Gor Mahia player.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
