Mashemeji Derby: Why Austin Odhiambo's potential absence could dent Gor Mahia's chances against AFC Leopards

Austin Odhiambo. IMAGE/ FKFPL

Mashemeji Derby: Why Austin Odhiambo's potential absence could dent Gor Mahia's chances against AFC Leopards

Evans Ousuru 21:30 - 24.03.2025

Gor Mahia's Austin Odhiambo is a doubt or the Mashemeji derby after suffering an injury but how importannt is he to K'Ogallo?

The much-awaited Mashemeji Derby pitting traditional rivals Gor Mahia against AFC Leopards is set to be finally played.

Kenya's biggest historical match in the footballing calendar has been postponed twice for lack of accessible venue but the mouth-watering encounter is set to be staged at the Nyayo Stadium on March 30, a week after national team Harambee Stars lost 2-1 against a spirited Gabon side.

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However, despite marching to the title in the last two seasons, K'Ogallo are in a three-way title battle with leaders Police and second-placed Tusker this time round.

Worryingly for the record champions Gor Mahia is the likelihood of talismanic midfielder Austin Odhiambo missing the high-octane clash. 

Pulse Sports previously reported that the attacking midfielder had suffered an injury setback, leaving the K'Ogallo medical team and the coach sweating over his fitness.

The mercurial midfielder had sustained an injury and his early substitution against Bandari in the 2-0 win on March 15th was a precaution that was meant  not to aggravate the situation.

Odhiambo, who was Gor Mahia's Most Valuable Player last season, is the team's top scorer with eight goals. Gor Mahia look rejuvenated since the return of Odhiambo from injury. He missed a  month of action after suffering an injury against Tusker in mid January but was back in action late February.

However, his potential absence should the injury prove to be serious, will be a big blow for the record FKF Premier League champions, starting with the Mashemeji derby.

Gor Mahia look like an accomplished team with Odhiambo but without him, the league defending champions have not only struggled to create chances but also found it hard to hit the target. 

Odhiambo could be the difference for Gor Mahia in terms of the derby as well as retaining their league gong. He is a player who thrives under pressure and improves the team big time.

If he overcomes the injury in time for the AFC Leopards clash, Gor Mahia will have an advantage over their fiercest rivals.