The Mashemeji Derby between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia is a high-pressure fixture that often leaves players and coaches alike overwhelmed.
The Mashemeji Derby between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia stands as one of the most fiercely contested fixtures in Kenyan football.
Rich in history and passion, the rivalry captures the hearts of thousands, with both teams boasting dedicated fan bases that turn each encounter into a spectacle.
This was evident once again during Sunday's Mashemeji Derby as fans thronged Nyayo Stadium for the 96th edition of the derby.
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Though the match ended in a goalless stalemate, the atmosphere was electric, a testament to the significance of the fixture.
Amid this intensity, Leopards' midfielder Victor 'Aguero' Otieno has opened up about how the pressure and excitement surrounding the derby affect players and coaches alike.
"Derby week is never easy for either team," Otieno admitted on a recent episode of The Crating Sars Show on YouTube while reflecting on his debut experience in the first leg of the 2023/24 campaign.
"For me, that week was particularly challenging. Even for the coach, selecting the starting eleven is tough. But I had given a good account of myself to earn a place in the lineup."
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Otieno recounted the overwhelming emotions leading up to the match, stating, "I remember we were at the hotel before heading to the stadium, and I was already panicking. On our way, we encountered a sea of blue and green jerseys flooding the streets."
"The cameras were flashing, the noise was deafening, and it was so chaotic that we couldn't even communicate properly on the field, we had to use signs," he added.
His debut derby ended in a 2-0 loss for AFC Leopards, with Gor Mahia's Benson Omala scoring a brace under former coach Jonathan McKinstry.
The return leg also saw Leopards succumb to a 1-0 defeat courtesy of an Austin Odhiambo strike, as Gor Mahia secured their record 21st league title.
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With this season’s first leg concluding in a stalemate, AFC Leopards will be looking ahead to the postponed second-leg clash with renewed determination.
Having won just once in their last five encounters against Gor Mahia, Leopards are eager to overcome their derby struggles and reclaim their competitive edge in the storied rivalry.