Post Match: Gor Mahia (A)

The 71st league meeting between Leopards and Gor Mahia ended in a barren draw but the off field antics dominated the action with play held up for 25 minutes after irate Gor fans took issue with the referee for showing their player a red card.

Here is how the media reported the clash:

James Waindi of Standard reported:-

A local derby that promised much delivered precious little as arch rivals Gor and AFC Leopards played out a goalless draw at the Nyayo National Stadium in a match that had to be stopped for close to 25 minutes due to crowd trouble.

Gor also ended the match with 10 men after the sending off of second half substitute Victor Ali for a dangerous tackle on Amon Muchiri.

Everything was going on well until the 67th minute when referee David Omweno sent off Ali after a dangerous tackle on Muchiri. Omweno and his two assistants Peter Kereini and Gilbert Cheruiyot, were held hostage on the field before they were escorted out of the pitch through gate six by armed police.

It took the Gor players’ convincing techniques to quell their fans anger and allow the match to go on as they blamed the officials for biased officiating and looked determined to stop the proceedings.

Violence spilled outside the stadium after the match with fans of both teams engaging each other in running battles with stones and a number of casualties were reported.

FKF chairman Sam Nyamweya termed the incident as unfortunate and said future derbies between the two sides would be handled by foreign referees.

At least for Gor coach Bobby Ogolla’s men there was no injury-time heartache, having suffered five defeats in a row coming into the match. 

For Leopards, who had numerical advantage their winning run in the league was checked, but their coach Jan Koops still remains unbeaten in the league competition.

Gor coach made four changes on the team that lost 2-0 to champions Tusker in midweek, bringing in Chris Wekesa in place of Collins Omondi, Anthony Akumu in place of Collins Okoth, Kevin Omondi and Rama Salim instead of Victor Ali and Baldwin Ngwa.

Leopards coach Jan Koops on the other hand just made a single change from the team that came from behind to pip Muhoroni Sugar 2-1 in their last league match a week ago, giving international striker Victor Ochieng his first start since he joined the team.

Gor enjoyed early possesion and were generally better in midfield but lacked ideas in the opponent’s box.

Rama Salim tested Leopards custodian Patrick Matasi with a thunderous free kick from 30 yards just after two minutes and three minutes later it was Leopard’s turn as Ochieng found his striking partner Allan Wanga but Wycliffe Kasaya’s timely intervention thwarted the international striker.

Ogolla had to replace Salim in the 34th minute as the diminutive midfielder seemed to be struggling after he clashed with Edwin Baraza in the 16th minute. 

Jimmy Bagaye had Leopard’s best chance of the half in the 43rd minute when he remained in a one-on-one situation with Kasaya, but he shot straight to the hands of the custodian as the sides went to half time tied 0-0.

Ogolla brought in Ali and Moses Odhiambo in the second half in place of Ibrahim Kitawi, and George Midenyo, but could still not breach the tight Leopards defence.

KPL website wrote:-

THE nastiest tackle witnessed in the young Kenyan Premier League season rubbed the shine off one of the best games so far and which, just mercifully, went the full distance after Gor Mahia-leaning hooligans took the law into their hands over the incident.

There was no question whether Gor’s Victor Ali Abondo should have been ejected after a horrific high boot lunge at AFC Leopards’ defender Amon Muchiri in the 66th minute.

When referee Davies Omweno showed Abondo the red card, some reckless supporters of Gor Mahia protested the decision, throwing objects on the pitch. In the end police had to lob tear gas canisters onto the southern-end terraces to disperse the rioting mob.

The game resumed after an over 15-minute break and unsurprisingly ended in the same competitive and entertaining spirit that it had been all afternoon.

Abondo just changed the face of the match in which players played hard but not with malice. Indeed there were plenty of hard tackles and times when men went down; more of Gor Mahia’s than Leopards, in fact.

But when Abondo, who must have been watching from the bench -- before he came on for Ibrahim Kitawi in the 48th minute -- appeared to have ill intent while fouling Eric Masika almost immediately, the referee took note, only verbally cautioning him.

Abondo had used his elbow for a cynical nudge on the Leopards’ defender when both went up for an aerial ball. Later when he came to challenging Muchiri, many cringed as Abondo’s menacing boot studs thumped into the upper thigh of the Leopards’ defender.

Kevin Omondi who had one of the sterling performances for Gor Mahia in the midfield felt the brunt of some severe attention from Leopards’ men, one of which was when Edwin Wafula was stopping him from riding into the box from the left in the 59th minute. Wafula was yellow carded.

And that was not Omondi’s first rough treatment, shared with other Gor teammates including, most especially, Kitawi and the other midfield man Rama Salim.

Salim, in fact got it from the first whistle, the Leopards’ captain, Martin Imbalambala, clattering him inside the first minute.

The Gor Mahia play-maker had received a few other knocks, notably a body shaking one in the 15th minute, before a painful one from Imbalambala in the 21st minute drew referee Omweno’s first yellow card in the 21st minute.

And then Salim did not appear to have the tenacity to continue and was replaced by John Kiplang’at in the 35th minute.

But all this was through some terrific thrilling football; purely because Gor Mahia, the underdogs, fully stood up to the pre-match form team Leopards.

Only the foolish attitude of some players and in the end stupidly reckless trouble makers almost ruined the day.

It was not the referee who prompted the players whose point was none other than putting the game into disrepute with lack of consideration for the well-being of fellow professionals.

In the play itself, plenty of ball possession and excellent distribution by a fantastic Leopards midfield of Imbalambala, Salim “Kinje” Ramadhan, Bernard Mang’oli and Victor Ochieng’ brought out the best of tactical defending by Gor Mahia.

On the counter, Anthony “Teddy” Akumu, Salim and Kevin Omondi retaliated with attacks that kept it an-end-to-end affair, albeit Gor Mahia not benefitting from good use of the ball by their men at the head of the attack, Kitawi and Midenyo.

Alertness in defense was at its admirable best and no team was going to beat the other by exploiting mistakes. It demanded that whoever got an opportunity, he had to force it through and none nearly succeeded against either Wycliffe Kasaya in the Gor Mahia goal or his opposite number Patrick Matasi.

Kevin Omondi had a good shot on target in the 26th minute but Matasi gathered the ball without a problem.

But for Leopards Allan Wanga tried several times, notably in the 35th minute. Kasaya safely stopped the shot after Wanga had connected a Bagaye assist.

In the 40th minute Ramadhan blasted into Kasaya's safe gloves. On 43 minutes, another flowing move by Leopards had Ramadhan again taking the final shot but it did not trouble Kasaya. It was followed by another Bageya effort that Kasaya stopped.

In the 51st minute Bageya broke into the right and just before losing the ball on the goal line, cut back beautifully, a 45 degree cross finding the on-rushing Imbalambala perfectly but the Leopards skipper’s header went above the cross bar.

Abondo had some useful contribution to Gor Mahia, his 54th minute free kick attempt being saved by Matasi.

The crowd trouble interruption had a big effect on the tempo after the restart on 68 minutes. Leopards could not capitalise on playing with a man more than Gor.

But on 79 minutes when 65th minute substitute Mike Baraza was fouled at the edge of the box, Wanga's shot was saved by Kasaya.

Only Kevin Omondi kept going hard at Leopards and when on 88 minutes he was fouled by Rwanda international defender Jonas Nahimana, the free kick by Moses Odhiambo went off target.

TEAMS:

GOR MAHIA - 23. Wycliffe Kasaya: 19. Solomon Nasio (captain), 3. Christopher Wekesa, 15. David Owino, 5. Musa Mohammed, 6. Anthony “Teddy” Akumu, 14. Kevin Omondi, 30. Moses Otieno, 12. George Midenyo (25. Moses Odhiambo, 55’), 21. Rama Salim (11. John Kiplang’at, 35’), 29. Ibrahim Kitawi (10. Victor Ali Abondo, 46’)

Reserves - 1. Frederick Onyango, Gk; 7. Yusuf Juma, 18. Ivan Anguyo, 24. Demonde Selenga

Coach - John “Bobby” Ogolla

AFC LEOPARDS - 1. Patrick Matasi: 5. Edwin Wafula, 14. Amon Muchiri (26. Robert Syongoh), 40. Eric Masika, 17. Jonas Nahimana, 4. Martin Imbalambala (captain), 50. Jimmy Bageya, 22. Bernard Mang’oli, 9. Allan Wanga, 18. Salim “Kinje” Ramadhan, 34. Victor Ochieng’ (11. Mike Baraza, 65’)

Reserves - 19. Barnabas Tiema, Gk; 8. Laurent Tumba, 10. Charles Okwemba, 7. Oscar Kadenge, 12. Augustine Etemesi

Coach - Jan Koops [The Netherlands]

* * * *

Referee - Davies Omweno

Assistant ref - Peter Kiereini

Asst ref - Gilbert Cheruiyot

Reserve ref - Nasur Doka

Match commissioner - John Ngunjiri

Futaa wrote:-

Ten-man Gor K’Ogalo Mahia were held to a goalless draw by visiting AFC Ingwe Leopards in their Kenyan Premier League match played on Sunday 18 March, at the Nyayo National Stadium.  

The match started on a high with K’Ogalo’s Rama Salim testing AFC Ingwe Leopards’ keeper Patrick Matasi with a well taken 5^th minute free-kick. 

Matasi proved his height tapping the ball over the woodwork, for a corner that was eventually wasted.

In the 12^th minute, Rama Salim was embroiled in a clash that saw him limp out of the pitch.  He returned four minutes later but was to come out in the 35^th minute, ushering in John Kiplangat.

The match went into the mid-match break with the teams holding a uniform ball possession.

Coming into the second half, AFC, led by Allan Wanga and Jimmy Bagaye lodged a spirited attack on the K’Ogalo defense, which was met in equal measure by counter moves by Ali Abondo and Moses Odhiambo, who had come in for Ibrahim Kitawi  and George Midenyo in the 49^th and 59^th minutes respectively.

In the 66^th minute, the direction of the game was changed after Gor substitute Abondo was shown a red-card for driving a high-boot into Amon Muchiri.  

As Muchiri was being stretchered out of the pitch, an agitated Gor fans started throwing items onto the pitch, their anguish clearly directed at centre referee Davies Omweno. 

The match was stopped for fifteen minutes as police strove to restore calm, at some point being forced to throw tear-gas canisters at the uncountable K’ogalo fans. 

It took the intervention of Gor Mahia players to calm down their fans and allow the match to continue, albeit on an anti-climax following the departure of most fans from the venue.

The match closed with none of the two sides finding the back of the other’s net. 

MichezoAfrika wrote:-

Following ugly scenes that dominated Sunday’s derby between Gor Mahia and arch rivals AFC Leopards , Football Kenya Federation has called for an emergency meeting to address the issue urgently with a joint statement expected from the soccer chiefs in Kenya.

The meeting is expected to take place in Nairobi starting 10:00AMand will be attended by KPL officials.

At the same time Gor Mahia’s executive office has announced that they will later on Monday hold a press briefing to bring to fore chore issues in relation to the same.

The club officials say they are disturbed by the turn of events and are holding an emergency meeting to discuss the events of the day.

However, Gor Mahia’s vice chairman Faiz Ochieng has pointed an accusing finger to the match referee Davies Omweno saying the red card was the cause of the whole drama and the referee’s body should be held accountable for the mess.

“This whole issue was started by the referee’s red card. As a club we will hold an emergency meeting and will later address the media but  we call on our fans to exercise patience at this time  because Sunday incidents are not good for the face of our Kenyan soccer.” He said.

MichezoAfrika also quoted John Bobby Ogolla shockingly glossing over the fan behavious and blaming the referee. The report read:

Gor Mahia manager John Bobby Ogolla is an angry man after the match against AFC Leopards on Sunday afternoon. Ogolla not only cited the red card situation but also other countless tackles on his players which left two of them substituted with injuries.

"The referee messed up the game. He came with a fixed mind and he was very inconsistent. The referees should really pull up their socks because this is not where we should be going. Rama Salim was intentionally kicked, Kelvin Omondi was also hacked down twice heading to goal, Kitawi was also hacked and we were forced to sub him, all these went un questioned by the referee", he says.

"The fans are human beings and we cannot blame them. Though that is not the kind of action we should resort to, they were irked by the referee who was constantly frustrating us.", he adds.

Ogolla has also blamed the police for firing tear gas at the Gor fans saying that it made the atmosphere worse.

"Were the Gor fans fighting themselves? Then why did they blast tear gas only on the Gor Fans? Police should not have fired the tear gas because that only worked to worsen the situation. I am very disappointed", he says.

On the match, Ogolla says that he is content with the team as it has been building up step by step each day.

"I am encouraged by the boys. Step by step we are coming up and we are getting better. All in all  I am delighted with the point because it is better than none", he adds

Odindo Ayieko, of the Daily Nation wrote:-

Gor Mahia goalkeeper Wycliffe Kasaya and captain Moses Odhiambo averted what could have been an abandoned Kenyan Premier League derby as K’Ogalo and AFC Leopards played to a barren draw on Sunday.

The hype ahead of the Gor vs AFC game was massive, the crowd big and the excitement at its best but the game failed to live to its expectations.

Referee Davies Omweno sent off Victor Ali with 20 minutes of the game remaining and Gor fans, unamused, started hurling stones into the pitch.

Play was stopped for 15 minutes, it seemed the game won’t continue but Kasaya showed leadership advising players to collect the stones from the pitch and ask the fans to calm down. It worked.

Matchwise, there was nothing to write home about in this 71st derby as both sides played a cautious game.

There were no chances, Gor were stronger in the midfield, Leopards were more attack-oriented trying their luck from the wings.

Allan Wanga who has been on form could not go past David Owino and Musa Mohammed in defence.

It was Gor’s fourth point, after three successive defeats in the hands of Muhoroni Youth, Karuturi Sports and Tusker.

Eric Masika, a former Gor Mahia player giving his heart out at the center of the Leopards defence.

Gor coach John “Bobby” Ogolla and Leopards tactician Jan Koops were fine with the result.

“We had gone through so much problems but today the players played their hearts out. Im fine with the result. Thanks to the boys,’’ said Ogolla.

And Koops said: “It’s a derby, Gor is a big team and they gave their best. Leopards too worked their best. I’m happy.’’

Kenyanstar wrote:-

The Nairobi Derby pitting great rivals Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards has in recent days been played in good cheer, amidst pomp, colour and good natured fan banter. Flashing back to 2011 and many will recall Gor's 3-1 victory over Leopards in their first leg KPL fixture. Reactons on the day were measured, Gor fans taking pride in their result while Leopards fans, though crestfallen , were sure to bounce back come the second. Bounce back they did, beating Gor 3-0 in the return leg. The responses from the Gor side on the day was that they were beaten hands down.

When the two sides met in the 2011 FKL Cup semi final, a section of unruly fans caused trouble in the stands, and the match was eventually called off. The authorities would later award the game to Gor. Violent scenes would again visit yesterday's derby when, after a Gor player had been sent off, a section of fans walked out while others hurled projectiles onto the pitch. This may be a form of expressing disappointment but there surely exist better, more humane, more diplomatic channels of doing so.

It is quite disappointing when fan trouble disrupts the good cheer and atmosphere of matches of this caliber. Given that a team may be going through a lean spell is no justification for fans to resort to violence as was witnessed on Sunday.

All the pre-match hype, anticipations and expectations were negated by the violence which took the gloss off what had been billed to be a great afternoon of football. So, as the two teams gave a rather lacklustre display of football, one would have hoped that the activity on the stands would have added color to the tie but sadly this was not to be as the incidences of fan trouble witnessed on Sunday took the gloss off the Nairobi Derby, causing unnecessary pain and injury to many.

 

Pre Match: Gor Mahia (A)

Tom Osanjo of Nation writes a historical article:-

A word of caution to ‘Camp Ingwe’ ahead of the ‘in-laws’ derby tomorrow: Gor Mahia is wounded and is seriously looking for someone to unleash their wrath on.

And the gods of football must have been on a very generous mood towards Gor by giving them their second victims in the KPL – the perennial irritants of AFC Leopards.

At present, the statistics on the Gor side are worrying and it is only the supporters with the K’Ogalo blood flowing in their veins that dare raise their heads and say it is not over until the fat lady sings.

A single win in the league followed by dismal performances and being booted out of a continental cup in the bargain does not really serve as an inspiration. Or does it?

No matter the form, Gor players have always known the history, the pride and the aspirations of the followers – the ‘Green Army’ – and have always risen to the occasion.

And although entering tomorrow’s match with conventional wisdom dictating that they are the underdogs, Gor fans want their players to know they are behind them 100 per cent.

While at it, they can as well throw conventional wisdom out the window and get down to the more important task of beating their old foes.

On the young Gor players rests the huge task of carrying on a fine tradition of ball wizards who have donned the green jersey in the past.

Who can forget the superb goals scored by the late Sammy “Jogoo” Onyango (now deceased) against AFC goalkeeper Mahmoud “Kenya One” Abbas at will? (Correction: John Busolo was in goal)

During a memorable one in the August or thereabouts of 1986, in the second leg match at City Stadium, Jogoo released a left footer well out of the box which left Abbas mouthing obscenities at his defenders.

Barely 10 minutes later, Jogoo was at it again and from the same spot. One would have paid a king’s ransom to hear Abbas one more time. Or who can forget Laban Otieno, the only player ever to score a hat-trick in the ‘masemeji’ derby?

Perhaps it would do a lot of good to the current Gor players if, on the day Otieno scored the hat-trick, K’ogalo hammer Ingwe 5-1. ‘Mission Impossible’? Not really; these boys can very well repeat the feat.

Another player Gor should well remember is John “Zangi” Okello, the ball juggler par excellence whose exploits saw him famously cross over to AFC where he was promptly given the Bukusu name of Wanyonyi.

Onto this rich legacy add the peculiarly Gor Mahia trait of the fiercely loyal, boisterous and entertaining supporters and all one can tell their opponents is that, as soon as the battle is joined tomorrow afternoon, be afraid. Very afraid.

Maybe one song the ‘Green Army’ normally sings will serve as a warning to AFC. In the song, Gor supporters lament that all the teams they have always been drawn against are minnows and that it is time someone brought to them Barcelona FC.

So, beat the war drums, take your seats and leave it to the people to suggest who the best in this contest is.

The Daily Nation also uses the statistics provided by your favourite blog and Claws Trust.

Collins Okinyo of Supersport predicts a 2-2 draw:-

Gor Mahia vs AFC Leopards (Live on SuperSport 9 East, Nyayo) STAR MATCH: 

Gor Mahia has lost its last three league matches with the poor results costing Coach Anaba Awono his job.

Though the team is easy on the eye, goals have been scarce with the players providing new coach Bobby Ogolla with a quandary of selections to get a winning team. 

K’Ogalo are 14th on the log with three points though myth has it that when they meet their arch rivals AFC Leopards, the form of either side does not matter and that the result of the game is determined by which team wants it more on the day. 

While Gor has struggled, Leopards have been the team to watch with the team winning four out of five matches so far. 

Ingwe who are on top of the league table with 13 points, have achieved the feat by sheer hard work and determination combined with tactical prowess by Dutch coach Jan Koops.

In Allan Wanga, Victor Ochieng, Patrick Matasi and Jimmy Bagaye, the club has finally found the men that can carry their hopes of reclaiming the elusive league title. 

Prediction: 2-2

Carol Radull of The Star predicts a 3-1 win for Leopards.

My Prediction: K’Ogalo 1 – 3 Ingwe

Interesting indeed that these two age-old rivals are meeting at a time when their fortunes are so different. Gor Mahia are struggling and there’s no flowering the situation. K’Ogalo have managed just one win this season in all competitions; an opening day league victory over Thika United. They opened the season with a loss to Tusker in the DSTV/Supersport Cup before the Thika victory; then went on to lose home and away to Ferroviario du Maputo in the Confederations Cup; to Muhoroni Youth, Karuturi Sports and finally to Tusker this week. It’s awful. The team “disbanded” their technical bench last week but now interim coach Bobby Ogollah has admitted he’s in way over his head. On Thursday he appealed to the club to hire him an assistant. Tragic.

However K’Ogalo did play well in the first half against Tusker on Wednesday but it wasn’t enough. Ingwe on the other hand are top of the league and unbeaten in their last 18 league matches; all under coach Jan Koops. Allan Wanga is on fire literally scoring in just about every match. Goalkeeper Patrick Matasi let in his first goal this season in last week’s 2-1 victory over Muhoroni. But this is a derby and anything can happen. Mentally I know Gor will want to win this game if they are to ever take off this season; while for AFC it will be a true test considering the only losses under Koop’s belt have been last July’s league loss to Gor (although Koops had only been in charge for 3 days) and the loss to Gor in the FKL Cup semi finals. Mmmmh. I however feel AFC are more mentally prepared.

Francis Wadegu of The Star also writes:-

Fifteen years ago this was an encounter that could have been billed as a potential title decider. However, tomorrow when Gor Mahia host AFC Leopards in a Kenya Premier League tie their targets could not be more diverse. For K’Ogallo, who have lost their last three league matches in which they have not scored, anything short of three points could be disastrous as they could find themselves bottom of the table on Monday while Leopards need only a point to stay top. Having, lost their last encounter on Wednesday, falling 2-0 to defending champions Tusker was not the ideal preparation for such a high octane clash.

While coach John Bobby Ogolla, who was in charge for the first time after spending only a week training the club, pointed a finger at his defense for the defeat against Tusker what was not lost in all that is the fact in five competitive games since the two goals against Thika in the opening league weekend, Gor are yet to hit the back of the net.

With striker Hugo Nzoka still in the recovery room and Demonde Selenge and Edwin Lavatsa yet to reach hit peak form k’Ogallo have had to rely on Cameroonian Baldwin Ngwa for goals and he is yet to deliver. No such problems for the league leaders though. In five outings they have conceded none and have now scored eight goals in those matches, the highest in the division.

With all their strikers etching names on the scoresheet, Leopards’ coach Jan Koops has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal. Alan Wanga, Victor Ochieng have inked their names on the scorers list this season Koops is also quick to point out that current form counts for nothing in such encounters. “Gor will no doubt want to win this match because they have not been getting good results lately so we expect a tough match tomorrow and we will be up for it,” he said.

Leopards have no major injury worries with Mike Barasa expected to be back in action with only young striker Emmanuel Tostao a long term absentee. K’Ogallo meanwhile apart form missing Nzoka will be without winger Kevin Ochieng who is still nursing a hamstring injury.
James Waindi of the Standard took a different angle by talking to the father of AFC Leopards' Victor Ochieng who happened to be one of the goal scorers of Gor Mahia against Leopards!

Maurice 'Sonyi' Ochieng' is a living legend in Gor Mahia’s history, having steered the 12 times Kenyan Premier League winners to the title in 1976 with an unbeaten record courtesy of his record 26 goals.

Sonyi has also steered K’Ogalo to the Cecafa title and the Mandela Cup while on the team’s technical bench and admits that the club has a special place in his heart.

He is, however, worried that his own blood could put the team he loves to the sword when AFC Leopards and Gor renew their rivalry on Sunday in a league derby at the Nyayo National Stadium.

His son Victor Ochieng’ in January opted to join Leopards instead of his father’s preferred choice Gor, who had been chasing his signature even while he was still with the national team in Tanzania for the regional tournament.

The striker has rediscovered his goal scoring touch that saw him net 11 goals in 15 matches for Chemelil Sugar in the second leg of the season last year. 

He single handedly broke Muhoroni Youth’s resistance last Sunday after coming off the bench to set up Allan Wanga for the equalising goal before scoring the winner to give Ingwe a laboured win over the league debutants.

"Victor is a very good striker and I am worried he could be the one punishing Gor on Sunday. His decision to join AFC Leopards is still okay with me. 

"When he told me he had made up his mind on joining Leopards I told him I would support him fully and I believe he has a bright future," said Sonyi.

He added: "My record of 26 goals in a season still lives on 36 years later, but I believe my son can break it. He can still follow my footsteps even at AFC Leopards, he doesn’t have to necessarily be at Gor Mahia, but he has to ensure he is in the starting line-up because strikers can’t score goals from the bench."

Sonyi said anything was possible at Sunday’s derby, but noted that AFC Leopards were the favourites, given their quality recruitment and good coach.

The two sides meet at a time when Gor is experiencing a downward spiral, winning a single match in six attempts, while Leopards have won four out of five and are yet to lose any match. 

Gor also expelled the entire technical bench last week.

However, as history tells, the weaker side between the rivals always rise to the occasion when they clash and it will be interesting to see if Gor can achieve that on Sunday.

Robin Toskin of the Standard was in a quick rejoinder to the retort of Gor Mahia speaking to Allan Wanga.

The idea that the in-form team between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards loses the derby is pub banter, according to Ingwe’s red-hot striker Allan Wanga.

"I have always known that you only talk of a result after 90 minutes," Wanga said ahead of their Sunday clash in the Kenyan Premier League.

Gor Mahia midfielder Collins Okoth appeared to goad Leopards when he was quoted saying they fear nobody in reference to Ingwe’s imperious form that has seen them rake in 13 points from a possible 15.

"We are Gor Mahia and we fear no one. We are ready for battle. We want to have the bragging rights in the derby," Okoth told a local daily on Thursday.

He added: "Leopards good form does not necessarily make them favourites. We are going into the match as equals."

Wanga, who will be playing in his first eternal derby said: "Okoth is entitled to his opinion. As for us we will approach the game like any other."

The former Tusker and Petro Atletico (Angola) hit man shrugged off the notion he is a marked man and would find it difficult against Gor Mahia defenders given the likely VIP treatment he could be given on Sunday.

Van Persie

"Van Persie (Robin) has been Arsenal’s main man up front yet nothing seems to stop him from scoring. So, because I want to rank among the best strikers it is up to me to find a way of scoring. However, it will also depend on how the coach wants us to approach the game."

Leopards are the overwhelming favourites going into the fixture as Gor Mahia have now lost five competitive matches with the latest being their 2-0 defeat at the hands of Tusker.

K’Ogalo coach John Bobby Ogolla insisted in the aftermath of the loss that he was encouraged by the team’s first half performance and the attitude of the fans.

"They (fans) were incredibly supportive when we played Tusker. I thought the boys too gave a good performance. It indicated they have the hunger and will to succeed," Ogolla said.

He added: "We are in a crash programme to improve their physical condition. We are also trying to motivate them. That is what they need now. You will see some changes against Leopards on Sunday."

In The Den: Week 10

·               Payment Made.

This week, the club made a deposit to General Motors for the purchase of the bus.

The treasurer of the Bus Committee Pamela Lutta shared the news with the AFc Leopards Facebook Branch.

The bus is now being built and soon, this asset will make an appearance at the club - FN

Post Match: Muhoroni (H)

Leopards went back to the top of the league after losing the leadership for 24 hours to Sofapaka when they came from behind to beat a stubborn Muhoroni Youth 2-1 at the Nyayo National Stadium.

How the press covered it:-

MichezoAfrika though Timothy Olobulu wrote:- 

AFC Leopards got back to the summit of the Kenyan Premier League after a hard earned 2-1 win over League debutants Muhoroni Youth in an exciting Kenya Premier League match played at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Leopards were trailing 0-1 at half time but a thunderbolt from Allan Wanga at the start of the second half cancelled James Okullo’s opener with substitute Victor Ochieng’ crowning off the win with a shot from a tight angle.

Muhoroni started the match a better side pinning the Leopards into their own half. The centre back partnership between Jonas Nahimana and Erick Masika was shaky with the Muhoroni attack trying to exploit their options from there. Amon Muchiri was also unstable on the wings.

It only took 17 minutes for the boys from Muhoroni to notch in the opener. A defensive blunder  gifted James Okullo  the ball right inside the Leopards box, and the winger thrashed the ball inside to erase Patrick Matasi’s four game clean sheet.

Leopards tried hard to get the equalizer before the breather but the Muhoroni side did well in defense. Allan Wanga came closest half an hour into the match but his diving header from Edwin Baraza’s cross went inches over the bar. Jimmy Bageya’s shot after beating the defense three minutes to half time was saved by Gradus Ochieng in the Muhoroni goal.

Come the second half, Ingwe came back like real hungry Leopards taking the Muhoroni side right into their territory. Victor Ochieng’ came in for the not-so-convincing Charles Okwemba. Allan Wanga and Jimmy Bageya were constant threats in the Muhoroni goal with both shots going over the bar in quick succession.

Allan Wanga sounded the reply in emphatic fashion banging in a 67th minute shot with a screamer that only took the shaking of the net to notify Gradus Ochieng’ that indeed the ball had been buried in his net.

Ingwe doubled their advantage just six minutes later when Victor Ochieng’ picked up a loose ball from the right, cut in and beat Gradus at his own near post. 

The win now sees Leopards move to the summit of the league on 13 points, two clear of second placed Sofapaka who were held to a barren draw by Oserian FC on Saturday.

AFC Leopards next assignment will be a mouthwatering clash against arch rivals Gor Mahia at the Nyayo National Stadium next weekend.

The Daily Nation covered it with a photo of Wanga receiving a pre-match award.

 

AFC Leopards overcame a nervous start on Sunday to defeat Muhoroni Youth 2-1 at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium and go back to the helm on 13 points, two better than ex-champions Sofapaka.

AFC Leopards, once again, are wasting little time showing whoever cares why their name should always figure prominently when the list of potential Kenyan Premier League winners is being put together.

Allan Wanga saved his fans’ blushes when he equalised in the second half and substitute Victor Ochieng ensured maximum points with a sublime finish in the 78th minute.

James Okulo had put the visitors - 1-0 winners over Gor Mahia last month - on the way to another unlikely victory after only 17 minutes.

This is their fourth successive Leopards’ win and they did so in a manner that suggests they are immune to the nerves that have afflicted their perennial opponents, Gor Mahia.

That reflected their superiority in a season that seems theirs to lose.

“We are savouring the moment. I’m glad to keep on scoring. It gives me the joy to see us win match after match,” Wanga said. “I’m praying for the same form in other fixtures.”

The last scores, however, belied a dreary start by the Leopards.

When Bernard Mangoli was making incomplete passes, the Burundian import, Jonas Nahimana was having a difficult afternoon with his controls. The newly promoted Muhoroni Youth had held Ingwe, as David Ombati and Geoffrey Simiyu constantly threatened upfront. But a sudden turnaround in the last 25 minutes turned the game Leopard’s way. In front of a partisan crowd, Simiyu exposed Edwin Wafula’s lack of pace, and the ball broke for Hamisi Mwinyi, who fired over.

Ombati then had a shot brilliantly saved by Patrick Matasi, whose clean sheet was dotted after 376 minutes.

Gradually, though and like a Leopard seeking to devour its prey, Ingwe gained a foothold in the game, and the goals soon followed.

Wanga troubled Gradius Ooko, the Muhoroni goalkeeper with a dipping shot, and then Jimmy Bageya fired wide after being laid in by Mangoli.

The breakthrough came three in the 64th minute after a high flying Wanga tapped in Amon Muchiri’s lovely cross from the left to cancel the scores as Leopards continued to hunt for more.

Barely 11 minutes later, Victor Ochieng, finished a Bageya’s effort, which was enough to secure his side’s fourth straight win and consequently extend their unbeaten streak to 20 matches.

KPL website wrote:

James Onyango shot the fearless Muhoroni Youth to a 17th minute lead but unlike the last time they did the same to the big-name Gor Mahia, running out 1-0 winners, the spirited rookies found AFC Leopards a different kettle of fish.

Leopards hit back with intent and inside three minutes, Gradus Ochieng’ in the Muhoroni goal, had to deal with fierce shooting from the on-form Leopards Kenya international striker Allan Wanga.

In the 40th minute Muhoroni defenses were troubled and escaped with Wanga making a well-placed appeal for a penalty after he was fouled in the box.

Kenya defender Eric Masika then missed narrowly with a header for Leopards in the 56th minute. But Muhoroni would crack eight minutes later, Wanga tapping in an Amon Muchiri cross from the left to level.

Victor Ochieng’, one of last season’s top scorers that was bought from Chemelil, had come as a substitute before he scored his first goal for Leopards from a Jimmy Bageya assist in the 75th minute.

Leopards [13 points] overtook overnight leaders Sofapaka, a two-point gap separating them on the table.

Michael Kwambo of Kenyanstar wrote:-

Second half goals from Allan Wanga and Victor Ochieng' cancelled out James Okullo's early strike as AFC Leopards returned to the top of the KPL with a 2-1 come from behind win over visiting Muhoroni Youth at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Alfred Imonje's side were the livelier of the two sides during the first quarter of the match, getting their just reward when Okullo capitalized on indecision within the Leopards defence, his strike on 16 minutes putting the side from Western Kenya ahead. This incidentally was the first goal scored against Leopards and goalkeeper Patrick Matasi in 376 minutes this season.

This seemed to rattle the hitherto lethargic Leopards into action, Allan Wanga and Jimmy Bagaye coming close to leveling for the home side. Muhoroni would frustrate Leopards, taking a 1-0 lead into the interval.

Jan Koops' half time pep talk and change in tactics saw Leopards take the game to their visitors upon resumption. Victor Ochieng' on for Charles Okwemba, brought life to Leopards as they went in pursuit of the equalizer.

Pressing their opponents, Leopards would blow several chances before Allan Wanga, who received his KPL Player of the Month award just before kick off, found himself unmarked in the box, blasting home to level the scores on 66 minutes with his third KPL goal of the season. Ochieng justified his inclusion with the winning goal from a tight angle on 73 minutes.

The win saw Leopards retake the lead from Sofapaka who had gone top twenty hours earlier when they played to a 0-0 draw in Naivasha against Oserian. Leopards are on 13 points courtesy of four wins and a draw. Sofapaka have 11 points coming off three wins and two draws.

Pre Match: Muhoroni (H)

MichezoAfrika previews the match per Timothy Olobulu:-

Jan Koops’ charges will be welcoming the league debutants at the Nyayo National Stadium, hoping to keep their unbeaten record unchecked. They will be wary of a Muhoroni side who bottled up Gor Mahia 1-0 at the same venue three weeks ago.

Leopards are currently at second spot on the log, with Sofapaka being on top; 11 points after but Ingwe has a match at hand. A win for the Leopards will see them get back to the apex.

Leopards have played four matches with three wins and a draw. They have beaten Ulinzi Stars away in Nakuru, Oserian at the Nyayo Stadium and Mathare United at the same venue. They drew with Chemelil Sugar also at the same venue.

Muhoroni are placed 10th after four matches with four points. They have won once, lost twice and drawn once.

An additional report says:-

AFC Leopards midfielder Charles Okwemba is back in the team after missing out last weekend  2-0 win over Ulinzi Stars in Nakuru. He is the only new face in the team and replaces injured Mike Barasa in the starting eleven.

“Last week he was not feeling well and he was not in the correct state of mind. We have looked at him this week and he was very sharp and it was not a problem for me and the technical bench to decide on him to start. Barasa is injured on the shoulder. It is very painful and he cannot play today”, Koops told michezoafrika.com.

The coach also says that he expects his charges to continue with their unbeaten run though he does not throw all his cards in the cast as per the match.

“I cannot say that we will always win. For me, I say that we will try our best when we get to the field. We respect our opponents and I think we have a good chance of winning and we will try to win because our fans also expect us to win”, he adds.

Patrick Matasi will continue in goal, hoping to continue with his clean sheet. The former West Sugar man has not conceded a goal since the league begun. Amon Muchiri will continue at left back in the absence of the injured Abbas Kiwalabye with Edwin Baraza playing at right back.

Erick Masika and Jonas Nahimana will continue with their job at central defense. Captain Martin Imbalambala will play infront of the defense. Salim Khamis Kinje and Bernard Mang’oli will play in central midfield. Charles Okwemba will play on the offensive right with Jimmy Bageya playing on the offensive left. Allan Wanga will be the lone man upfront.

A win for the Leopards today will see them go back to the top of the log with 13 points. A draw will also see them topple Sofapaka on goal difference.

Full Line up;

Starting XI: Patrick Matasi, Edwin Baraza, Amon Muchiri, Erick Masika, Jonas Nahimana, Martin Imbalambala, Charles Okwemba, Jimmy Bageya, Salim Kinje, Bernard Mang’oli, Allan Wanga

Subs; Barnabas Tiema, Robert Syong’o, Fabrice Tumba, Abraham Cokie, Kadenge, Victor Ochieng’, Francis Chinjili

Michael Kwambo of Kenyanstar writes:-

AFC Leopards recovered from that scoreless home draw against Chemelil in their opening fixture to register three identical 2-0 wins over Mathare United, Oserian and Linz (sic) Stars to go top of the KPL. Jan Koop’s side will try to maintain their momentum and protect their lead when they face a Muhoroni Youth side that surprised Gor Mahia 1-0 in their last outing to Nairobi. A win for Leopards could see them perched atop the KPL summit at the close of business on Sunday. This is a must win clash for the side as a slip up could see them lose the KPL’s prime property.

Muhoroni Youth come to Nairobi on an expedition. The side who are in their debut KPL season are currently placed ninth and will be out to avoid the curse of newly promoted teams that return to the Nationwide leagues at the close of the season. Coached by the wily Alfred Imonje, this side surely knows the importance of collecting points as the more points you have simply determines you continued stay in the league or even the ascent to glory. With this in mind, expect the Muhoroni side that steps out on the day to be competitive in their approach to the game.