The Defence Rests

Leopards have been improving in their play but the team is being seriously let down by one department. The Defence! Whilst the rest of the playing unit seems to be improving with our midfield starting to have some punch and the striking force scoring an occasional goal, those efforts are undone when the defence rest on its laurels.

We analyze three matches: Sofapaka, Tusker and Gor Mahia to see some of the schoolboy errors that have cost us dearly.

Against Sofapaka the third goal saw John Baraza make a break. It was five Leopards players against four of Sofapaka.

Tiema points at the positioning. Our defender tries to cut the attack but too much space had been given to Baraza.

Baraza sells a dummy and the defender is left for dead. No covering and Baraza gets time to move in.

Baraza crosses.

Notice two defenders have been together the whole time as Mugalia now shoots, the ball having been stopped for him in the clearance

The second goal by Sofapaka had also seen the similar defensive lapses

The defender hits the ball on Njoroge

 

The ball bounces off Njoroge and hits the other Leopards defender

Tiema advances, but he has been let down already by the defenders

In the game against Tusker, the first goal was conceded after an unnecessary freekick near the corner flag. But the second goal was also comically conceded.

Yes, four defenders against three Tusker players...

 

The ball is floated in and there are three Ingwe defenders ahead of the Tusker strikers

Midenyo has made some ground and get to the ball ahead of all the three defenders chasing it

Against Gor Mahia, there was a massive howler in the defence when Lavatsa was first brought down just before he got into the D. The referee was not whistle-happy.

As Lavatsa lay on the floor, the defender collected the ball

Muyoti approaches and asks the defender to leave the ball

 

 

 

Muyoti inexplicably turns without any pressure and makes a back pass

 

Ochomo pounces

Ochomo smashes the post

But barely a minute later, the defence is split again... it is 4 against 3

Tiema moved to close the gap but he stod no chance

As for the second goal by Gor, Lavatsa expects a long ball

Paco is covering Lavatsa but lets the ball bounce

Big mistake. No one is covering Selenga. AFC had been attacking and everyone had poured forward.

The ball bounces and it is a sprint

Once he is in the D, it is curtains AFC

Tiema fluffs the catch

The one who shall not be named pounces...

It is time for the defence to stop resting and ball watching and start playing.

Honourable Mentions

Two websites that carry out in depth analysis of Kenyan football and are a great source of information about our club deserve a pat on the back for their positive coverage of happenings on the local scene.

Ingwe Fan is proud to note that MichezoAfrika carried a story about the fanzine on its website.

The Club of Leopards Active and Wise Supporters (CLAWS) on Thursday the 21st of July announced the release of Issue 2 of the INGWE FAN fanzine. Retailing at ksh 300/- per copy, the 48 page magazine is a derby special edition and is titled ‘Kenya’s El Classico’.

Branded a collectors item, the magazine features facts figures and statistics on the Gor Mahia vs AFC Leopards Matches since 1968. Emmanuel Mketu the magazine editor while speaking to ingwefans.com said that the magazine was a good read for fans of both Gor mahia and AFC Leopards. “For the new generation fans who wants to have the history of this teams since 1968 then you’ve got to get yourself a copy” he said.

The magazine has a list of all chairmen that have led leopards since 1964 on page 5. Page 6 has an exclusive interview with Remi Mudi chairman of the team’s Kawangware branch. On page 8, there is the gaffer where the reaction of fans to Nick Yakhama’s comments about winning the league are featured. Page 11 carries an interview of one Laurent Fabrice Tumba while page 30 is another profile this time from the hall of fame for Jonathan Niva. The magazine ends with a Home and Away section where an in-depth analysis of leopards last six league matches is given.

It is however the special feature on El Clasico that will capture the imagination of many readers.  On page 17, is a comparison of the Kenyan derby to Spanish, Real Madrid vs Barcelona. Pages 19 and 20 have a brief history of Gor-Mahia. Pages 21, 22 and 23 features the Double Cross; players who have played for both Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards. On page 25-28, find statistics and all the goal scorers including final score lines of all matches ever played between the two teams. This is further tabulated on page 38 where Sammy Onyango  Jogoo is listed as the top scorer of matches between the two teams with six goals. Wilberforce Mulamba of Leopards comes in second with four goals. Under the unforgettable thrillers six best matches between the two teams are reviewed including the inaugural match in 1968 and the only Hat trick match in 1975.

The magazine is on sale at all ticket masters selling booths ahead of the derby. Copies will also be sold at the venue, Nyayo National stadium.

After the match, Individuals who will still want to get copies of the same. Will have to send a request via e-mail to magazine@ingwefans.com or claws@ingwefans.com. Samuel Eyinda, a Trustee of the CLAWS Trust has encouraged members of the trust and fans from both teams to purchase copies of the magazine.

“Most fans really do not understand the history of this two teams. Having this magazine if you are a team of either side is a huge step towards understanding the team you support.” He said. He at the same time confided that the TRUST hopes to mould the magazine project into an income generator.

“The trust has huge plans for the team but we need funds to operate. We believe that if we got the necessary support from our members, Leopards fans at large, corporates  and our Executive Office then we can push the project into profitability for the benefit of the trust and by extension the team” He said. “The Trust Currently relies on good will donations from amongst it’s Eleven Trustees and monthly contributions from it’s just under 100 members. “ He added. 

Futaa also covered the release in a report by Claudia Ekai.

According to ingwefans.com, The Club of Leopards Active and Wise Supporters (CLAWS) on Thursday the 21st of July announced the release of Issue 2 of the INGWE FAN fanzine. Retailing at ksh 300/- per copy, the 48 page magazine is a derby special edition and is titled ‘Kenya’s El Classico’.

Branded a collectors item, the magazine features facts figures and statistics on the Gor Mahia vs AFC Leopards Matches since 1968. Emmanuel Mketu the magazine editor while speaking to ingwefans.com said that the magazine was a good read for fans of both Gor mahia and AFC Leopards. “For the new generation fans who wants to have the history of this teams since 1968 then you’ve got to get yourself a copy” He said.

The magazine is on sale at all ticket masters selling booths ahead of the derby. Copies will also be sold at the venue, Nyayo National stadium. After the match, Individuals who will still want to get copies of the same. Will have to send a request via e-mail to either magazine@ingwefans.com or claws@ingwefans.com Samuel Eyinda, a Trustee of the CLAWS Trust has encouraged members of the trust and fans from both teams to purchase copies of the magazine. 

“Most fans really do not understand the history of this two teams. Having this magazine if you are a team of either side is a huge step towards understanding the team you support.” he said.

Post Match: Gor Mahia (A)

The derby went downhill for Leopards as we went down 1-3 to Gor Mahia. It is not a pleasant day to look at the papers.

James Waindi of the Standard reports:-

Congolese striker Dimonde Selenga returned to haunt his former club when he scored a goal and set up another as Gor beat perennial rivals AFC Leopards 3-1 in a thrilling Kenyan Premier League derby at the Nyayo National Stadium.

This was the second time Selenga was scoring in the Kenyan derby, he scored Leopards’ priceless goal when the two sides met in May last year.

Wyclife Ochomo opened the scoring in the 13th minute, before Selenga added the tally in the 63rd minute, just four minutes after he had replaced Ochomo and second half substitute Dan Makori made it 3-0 in the 81st minute, before Mike Barasa scored Leopard’s consolation in the 84th minute.

The win has seen Gor leap to third position in the table with 30 points from 16 matches, while Leopards remain 12th with 19 points.

Gor coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno was happy with his team’s performance and said he hoped the side would maintain the same spirit in all the remaining matches.

"AFC Leopards played a very good game today, they came out and attacked us and we hit them on the counter and that is how we won the match."Both sets of supporters were wonderful, it was a good feeling and they showed maturity, they even took the loss with dignity," said Otieno.

Selenga said he was glad to have scored his first league goal for Gor Mahia against arch rivals Leopards and plans to maintain the same form against other opponents as well.

"All I can say is that I am elated to have scored today. It is the second time I have scored in this derby, the first time I scored for Leopards against Gor and this time it’s the opposite," said Selenga, who was among nine players that were dropped by Leopards a month ago.

Leopards tactician Jaan Koops said: "In the first half we didn’t play as planned, we were playing long balls and my strikers could not control them, but the second half was much better. My strikers have to be more aggressive in the box."

After Gor fans lost to Leopards fans by a similar margin on Saturday, K’Ogalo team had to salvage some pride on the derby day and they did it in style, to satisfy the massive fans that had packed the stadium.

Bernard Mang’oli almost gave Ingwe an early lead when he struck the cross bar with a fierce shot just two minutes into the match. Gor’s first chance came in the 12th minute when Ochomo found himself unmarked but saw his shot come off the post. He atoned for the miss a minute later when he converted Kevin Omondi’s cross to bring the stadium into life.

The Standard's other story is by Gilbert Wandera on how the Leopards and Gor fans showed maturity in a match that people had security fears over. 

Nation has a story by Sammy Kitula.

The stone the builders rejected became the cornerstone as AFC Leopards reject Demonde Selenga came back to haunt his former club in Gor Mahia's 3-1 victory of over arch rivals AFC Leopards at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.

And in a sold-out attendance, Wycliffe Ochomo, Selenga and Dan Makori were the heroes of the evening as Leopards’ Mike Barasa pulled one for his side.

Never had Gor defeated Leopards in such a margin since their first match in 1968. (Not correct. See Ingwe Fan magazine page 25 match no. 6 and page 34)

In an outcome of major significance in this season of seemingly endless Nairobi City derbies, Zedekiah “Zico” Otieno claimed his second major triumph as Gor head coach when his side won a titanic contest of wills to dismiss Leopards in a befitting manner.

The telling blow was inflicted by Leopards reject and Congolese import Selenga who scored his first league match in a green jersey and created his club’s third goal on a tempestuous encounter.

In a game where the Leopards never really clicked into gear, K’Ogalo were the better team throughout and their winner late in the second half was a just outcome for their prolonged superiority in the matchup.

The win proved a shot in the arm for K’Ogalo’s boss, with the assured performance proving contrary to the constant criticism he has faced over his team’s resilience.

Evidently feeling like they had a point to prove, Gor started the game in buoyant fashion.

Sustained pressure early on led to a collection of half chances for the hosts, the most glaring of which fell to Kevin Omondi after a fidgety Nicholas Muyoti fluffed his clearance yet the Gor man could only drag his shot wide from the edge of the box.

The Leopards struggled to impose themselves as the game developed, with Gor enjoying more than their fair share of possession.

A fluid move culminated in Edwin Lavatasa drifting in from the right flank to meet a whipped Omondi cross, though the lively forward couldn’t keep his effort down.

KPL website has this report

GOR Mahia forwards reacted to criticism of their lack of bite throughout most of the season with a sterling performance in their 3-1 drubbing of AFC Leopards on Sunday at the National Stadium.

The season’s first edition of the Kenyan Premier League’s biggest Nairobi “Derby” was before a bursting crowd in the 24,000 capacity venue. Even though the second half of the season has already witnessed two rounds, the Gor v Leopards first leg meeting had not happened due to lack of a secure venue.

On the KPL fixtures, the “Derby, Part II” is set for the International Sports Centre, Kasarani on September 18. The venue has been closed for over a year, undergoing renovation by Chinese contractors and its managers, the Sports Stadia Management Board [SSMB], had indicated it would be ready by the match day.

Kasarani, the 60,000 seat facility had actually better be ready to deal with the increasing pull of spectators by the big teams in the Premiership, Gor Mahia and Leopards especially.
Still oblivious of danger to themselves, many at the National Stadium that was full to the brim, recklessly perched on unsafe spots above exit gates Nos. 5, 6, 7 and 8 and all round the top of the stadium. Space on the walkaway aisles was also taken, blocking exir access if needed. Because of irresponsible pushing during a similar ‘Derby’ in October last year, five young spectators were trampled to death.

There was a moment of silence by both teams before kick-off of the Sunday match in memory of those departed fans.

Overall, despite the congestion, both sets of supporters conducted themselves sportingly, an indication that lessons about good behaviour -- considerate of others, and for the good of the sport -- were being learnt. Just two seasons ago, with the general management of football in the country in shambles, a Gor Mahia v Leopards league match attracted just a few hundred spectators.

What a terrific start it was, Leopards first and then Gor Mahia, coming close to getting the first goals within 12 minutes.

Just a minute old, Leopards midfielder Bernard Mang’oli’s fierce volley was kept off by the cross bar.

Then a bemused Leopards captain, Nicholas Muyoti, almost committed a schoolboy howler in the 12th minute. He needlessly attempted a back pass from a free situation but the ball could not reach his ‘keeper Barnabas Tiema. Wycliffe Ochomo, the burly Gor Mahia striker took possession but, unbelievably, pushed the ball to the bottom of the upright post.

However, Ochomo, the strong man signed in mid-season from Congo United, was on the mark to put Gor Mahia 1-0 ahead in the 14th minute. The supply involved young Edwin Lavatsa, a Gor Mahia gem of the day, who had a one-two interchange with Kevin Omondi before putting Ochomo through inside the box. Like in his earlier situation, Ochomo faced Tiema but this time his left foot placement of the ball into the net was perfect.

Lavatsa was to create his team’s second goal in the 63rd minute, going down the right flank and managing to square the ball just before it went past the goal line. It proved tricky for Tiema who failed to cut it off, his parry taking it to second-half substitute Demonde Selenga who headed in.

Selenga, the Congolese import who last year was a scorer in Leopards’ 1-0 win over Gor Mahia in the first leg, turned a tormentor for his old club by creating the third goal for Gor Mahia in the 87th minute.

Again Lavatsa was the initiator when he took head on and beat three Leopards defenders at the top of the box before finding Selenga on the right. The Congolese was able to square the ball like Lavatsa in the previous action, this time finding another second-half substitute, Duncan Makori with the simple task of tapping in past Tiema in the 82nd minute.
But while the score line suggested a Leopards side shredded apart, it was the wrong picture about a team that refused to lie down and die despite the obvious wrong bounce of the ball.

Mike Baraza, the complete footballer and striker who was tireless despite being frustratingly being denied the ball in his usual striking position, got one back for his team in the 84th minute.

The Leopards’ midfielders struggled to cope in the middle of the park and little ball found Baraza and fellow strikers Francis Chinjili and Paul Odhiambo in the box. Baraza was often as far back as in the defence trying to win ball for the forwards.

His goal came in one of the rare times he could get involved in goalmouth action. From a scramble, he controlled with his chest before firing past Frederick Onyango, Gor’s first conceded goal in seven matches.

The pace of the action took an early toll, injury forcing the early substitution of Gor Mahia’s ace midfielder Collins “Gatusso” Okoth with a pulled muscle in the 30th minute. Anthony “Teddy” Akumu came on.

Leopards realising their early struggle in defensive midfield and sacrificed skipper Nicholas Muyoti, who made way for the Liberian import Abraham Cokie at the start of the second half.

Jimmy Bageya’s header in the 15th minute had gone just over the bar and in the 58th minute the Ugandan put Baraza through with a perfect chance from inside the box but the normally reliable finisher was unable to beat Frederick Onyango who made a superb block.
Leopards also escaped from danger, Tiema saving from a Lavatsa in the 59th minute and from Selenga in the 65th minute, again after the Congolese had been fed by the indefatigable Lavatsa.

Mang’oli also came close with a header for Leopards in the 69th minute.
Deep in the second half, Leopards claimed more attempts on goal, 15 in total but Gor Mahia, with only six had more to show for it on the score sheet.

But, after a good day in the office by a confident Gor Mahia side, is the writing on the wall, that Gor are up for a beating by Leopards on September 18? In the past two seasons, the return match has always been defeat to the winner of the first leg. And in their rivalry, stretching back to 1968, a “double” in the season over either team has been rare.

TEAMS:-
GOR MAHIA - 1. Frederick Onyango: 19. Solomon Nasio, 27. Collins Omondi, 5. Musa Mohammed, 15. Eric Masika, 13. Collins Okoth (6. Anthony “Teddy” Akumu, 30’), 14. Kevin Omondi (17. Duncan Makori, 72’), 30. Moses Otieno, 7. Hadji Mwachoki, 9. Edwin Lavatsa, 21. Wycliffe Ochomo (24. Demonde Selenga, 59’
Reserves not used - 16. Ronnie Kagunzi, Gk; 3. Christopher Wekesa, 8. Tony Onyango, 25. Moses Odhiambo
Scorers - 21. Wycliffe Ochomo (14’), 24. Demonde Selenga (63’), 17. Duncan Makori (72’)
Coach - Zedekiah “Zico” Otieno
AFC LEOPARDS - 19. Barnabas Tiema: 5. Edwin Wafula, 24. Collins Kisuya, 3. Jonas Amboko, 17. Jonas Nahimana, 6. Nicholas Muyoti, captain (23. Abraham Cokie, 46’), 22. Bernard Mang’oli, 10. Charles Okwemba, 15. Francis Chinjili (20. Paul Odhiambo, 57’), 50. Jimmy Bageya (7. Brian Masiolo, 72’), 11. Mike Baraza
Reserves not used - 1. Patrick Matasi, Gk; 4. Martin Imbalambala, 18. Salim Kinje Khamis, 27. Oscar Kadenge
Scorer - 11. Mike Baraza (84’)
Coach - Jan Koops [The Netherlands]
Referee - Nasur Doka
Assistant ref - David Sagero
Asst ref - Mike Mwangi
Reserve ref - Tom Onyango
Match commissioner - Amir Hassan

Futaa reported Selenga's reaction in a report by Claudia Ekai.

Former AFC Leopards hitman Demonde Selenga haunted his former employers today (24^th July, 2011) when he scored against Ingwe to give Gor Mahia a 2-0 lead over their opponents

Speaking after the match, Selenga said he was happy to be at Gor Mahia and he is proud of his game today and most of all his achievement

-I am happy that I currently feature for Gor Mahia FC

-I scored against AFC Leopards and I did the same against Gor Mahia last season when I scored the winner, that’s an achievement since this a big derby and attracts attention and I have managed to score against both teams

He went ahead to point out that he is looking forward to work with the team inorder to achieve their goals

-I expect that we can work hard as a team so that we can achieve our goals

Selenga was one of the nine players who was sacked by AFC Leopards two months ago because of gross misconduct. He joined Gor Mahia in June 2011 during the mid-season transfer

MichezoAfrika reports that the match raised a record Kshs. 5.5million

Gor Mahia capped their sweet 3-1 win over AFC Leopards with a handsome 5.59 Million shillings from gate collection. This is the best ever figure to be collected in the history of Kenyan soccer a sign that indeed the Kenyan Premier League is headed for the heavens.

5,595,900 was the gross figure of the amount collected from ticket sales, more than double of last year’s El Classico which collected approximately 2.5 million shillings.

According to the official figures released by ticket masters, a total of 2,997 VIP tickets were sold @500 shillings while 20,487 tickets for the terraces were sold @200 shillings.

That the two teams have the largest number of fans in the country is an obvious fact. There was an equal number of fans at the stadium which was divided and equally filled up in two equal halves.

The El Classico lived to its billing not only in terms of fans attendance but in organization and security.

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts
1	Tusker	17	10	3	4	20	9	11	33
2	Rangers	17	9	5	3	25	12	13	32
3	Gor Mahia	16	8	6	2	16	10	6	30
4	KCB	17	8	5	4	25	13	12	29
5	Ulinzi Stars	17	7	6	4	16	13	3	27
6	Sofapaka	17	7	5	5	22	12	10	26
7	Western Stima	17	7	5	5	10	9	1	26
8	Chemelil Sugar	17	6	6	5	12	12	0	24
9	Karuturi Sports	17	6	5	6	9	11	-2	23
10	Thika United	17	6	3	8	19	22	-3	21
11	Mathare United	17	4	7	6	15	15	0	19
12	AFC Leopards	17	6	1	10	16	22	-6	19
13	Sony Sugar	16	5	4	7	12	19	-7	19
14	Bandari	17	4	2	11	13	27	-14	14
15	Congo United	17	3	5	9	11	26	-15	14
16	City Stars	17	3	4	10	9	18	-9	13

Pre Match: Gor Mahia (A)

The 69th League meeting between Gor Mahia and Leopards takes place today and most of the online and print media have focused on the clash.

The Nation leads with an article by Sammy Kitula where he writes:-

The wait is finally over! At the capacity 35, 000 Nyayo national Stadium, the two Kenyan Premier League giants - Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards ‘Ingwe’- will do battle, in what promises to be another fiercely contested encounter as the city comes to a complete standstill for the country’s most anticipated derby.


Tale of the game: The recent history of meetings between these two sides tell it all.

Gor Mahia, last year’s league runners-up, have made a flying start to the season, scoring 13 goals in their 15 league matches and will go into the match as favourites. Together with table-topping Tusker and Western Stima, K’Ogalo have the best defence in the country so far, having conceded only nine goals into the second leg of the season.

The side has also maintained a clean sheet of 540 minutes so far.

On their part, Leopards are hoping to exorcise the ghosts that have been undermining them over the recent past. Bar that 2-1 win over Thika United, Leopards had gone six matches without a win, losing five times, four on the trot.


Touchline duel: Zedekiah “Zico” Otieno v Ian Koops: With a rich club history at their respective teams, both Otieno and Koops know only too well that they will be judged, over a very long time, by today’s results and must employ every tactic if only for the three vital points


They have not had so much time of knowing each other, as Koops joined the Leopards two weeks ago, but Ingwe’s re-emergence could see hostilities initiated.

Zico has the upper hand having guided United to a convincing Champions League semi-final victory last season, so Koops will be out for revenge. (Copy & Paste alert ?????)



Tactical battle: Gor defeated AFC Leopards 1-0 during their last meeting at the same venue last October with their rapier counter-attacks, but the key component in that tactic - George “Blackberry” Odhiambo - has moved on.


K’Ogalo no longer possess such electric pace and Leopards should be more capable of containing the 1987 Mandela Cup champions.


The home side’s challenge will be to nullify the threat posed by Leopards’ forward Mike Barasa. The Harambee Stars striker has been on fire, scoring stunning winners including that dazzling goal against Thika United.


Key clashes: Solomon Nasio v Mike Barasa: Gor defender Nasio has returned from injury, but the former Dandora Youth player is yet to show that he has overcome his confidence-draining encounter with Congo United’s Rama Salim in May. Recent injuries have also left a question mark.


The mercurial Barasa will roam around Gor’s vast spaces and leave Nasio looking for a man to mark, but when he attacks the penalty area, the defender must deal with the danger.


Collins “Gattuso” Okoth v Charles Okwemba: Okoth has always thrived against Leopards and Zico often recalls his successful battles against bigger boys. Okwemba will pose a different test, but “Gattuso” has emerged as Gor’s key midfielder.


His energy, ability to break up opposition attacks and sensible use of possession mark him out as one of the first names on the Gor team-sheet.


Okwemba has grown in stature in recent months however, and he will relish his battle against the stout Gor midfielder.


Demonde Selenga v Francis Chinjili: Chinjili has yet to win over the Leopards supporters after arriving at the lair, but Selenga is already a cult figure at Gor just three games into his K’Ogalo career.


The Congolese’s attacking instincts offer Gor an option and he will pose a stern test for his markers. The former Western Stima striker has no better opportunity to silence his critics, however.

What they are saying: Zedekiah “Zico” Otieno: The character of the teams has changed since over the years and we expect a good match. It is important for us to win tomorrow (today) and maintain the pressure.


Ian Koops: I am happy to go there because it is the first big, big test. You want always to have a high level of confidence when you go to against Gor Mahia.


The Star carries the Carol Radull prediction of a 2-2 draw

My Prediction: Gor 2—2 Leopards


THERE are no statistics that would make much sense for this game simply because it’s the only realistic derby in Kenya. Yes we’ve recently forced Sugar derbys; western derbys; disciplined forces derby (when Red Berets was in the league); even the Coastal derby. But the truth is, in terms of hype, rivalry, achievements and location; there is only one derby in Kenya, and this is it!


Both clubs have won the league title 12 times, both clubs have had continental success at Cecafa over the years, both clubs have numerous passionate and loyal fans; but both clubs have had little to show in terms of league success over the past 12 years or so. Gor last won the league in 1995 while AFC last got the honours in 1998.


Gor, however, came close last season with a second finish and I believe it’s just a matter of time before K’ogalo win the league again. AFC has struggled a lot more in recent times; infact since their relegation at the end of 2006, and the subsequent one year of no football, the team hasn’t quite found its footing.

The numerous change in coaches and players over the years has caused more confusion than anything else. But in June the club bought some pretty great players in John Baraza, Francis Chinjili, Charles Okwemba and the likes; and recently added and then promoted Coach Jans Koops on the technical bench. Koops is apparently introducing the Dutch style of flowing and possesion football to the club, and we’re likely to see a lot of that in this match. Meanwhile Zedekiah “Zico” Otieno’s squad looks confident.


His old players coupled with the new recruits like Haji Mwachoki and of course Dimonde Selenga; who mind you scored against Gor when he was at AFC last year; are beginning to gel. How will Dimonde be viewed by AFC fans? And how will Gor fans view old boy Jimmy Bagaye? There’s only one way to find out and that is to be at the Nyayo Stadium tomorrow. Tickets are on sale at 20th and Kenya Cinema’s; City and Nyayo Stadium and various other outlets. Just Sh500 for VIP and Sh200 for the terraces. No tickets will be on sale tomorrow so buy your tickets today or watch yours truly live on TV tomorrow. I do urge those of you who will turn up at the stadium to behave. Let’s show that our league has matured by behaving in a major manner and do send me your non offensive predictions and comments to @CarolRadull on twitter.


Supersport has two articles by James Wokabi

Gor Mahia has selected an ultra attacking squad for their clash against archrivals AFC Leopards at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.



Wycliffe Ochomo, Hajj Mwachoki and Edwin Lavatsa will lead the search for goals a bold 4-3-3 formation.


In midfield Collins Okoth will partner with youngster Moses Otieno Odhiambo and Kevin Omondi.


Goalkeeper Frederick Jerim Onyango starts in goal with Solomon Nasio at right back while Collins Omondi will do duty at leftback. Musa Mohammed and Eric Masika will be in central defence.


The only surprise omission is regular Anthony Akumu who starts on the bench as does for Leopards striker Demonde Selenga.

AFC Leopards have kept faith with the squad that did duty against Thika United last weekend.

Barnabas Tiema will be in goal, with Edwin Baraza, Collins Kisuya, John Amboiko and Jonas Nahimana in defence.


Skipper Nicholas Muyoti will anchor things in midfield partnered by Bernard Mangoli and Charles Okwemba.

Upfront, Francis Chinjilio, Jimmy Bagaye and Mike Barza will lead the hunt for goals.


The match kicks off at 3pm


Gor Mahia line up:


1. Frederick Onyango, 19. Solomon Nasio, 27. Collins Omondi, 5. Musa Mohammed, 15. Eric Masika, 13. Collins Okoth, 14. Kevin Omondi, 30. Moses Otieno Odhiambo, 9. Edwin Lavatsa, 21.Wycliff Ochomo, 7. Hajj Mwachoki.


Reserves: 16. Ronnie Kagunzi, Gk; 6. Anthony Akumu, 3.Christopher Wekesa, 17. Dan Makori, 24. Demonde Selenga, 8. Tony Onyango, 25. Moses Odhiambo.


Coach - Zedekiah “Zico” Otieno


AFC Leopards line up:


19. Barnabas Tiema: 5. Edwin Wafula, 24. Collins Kisuya, 3. Jonas Amboko, 17. Jonas Nahimana, 6. Nicholas Muyoti, 22. Bernard Mang’oli 10. Charles Okwemba, 15. Francis Chinjili, 50. Jimmy Bageya, 11. Mike Baraza


Reserves: 1. Patrick Matasi, Gk, 4. Martin Imbalambala, 7. Brian Masiolo, 18. Salim Kinje, (29. Paul Odhiambo, 27. Oscar Kadenge

Coach: Jan Koops

Supersport has an extra article on the best six clashes, though unlike Ingwe Fan magazine, it doesnt confine itself to League matches but mixes other tournaments.
The Standard's Robin Toskin serves the follwing:-

Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards face off in the KPL's oldest Derby, each weighed down with contrasting problems on the table of coaches Zedekiah Otieno and Jan Koops.



While Gor Mahia have scored only two goals in their last five matches, gaining nine points, AFC Leopards have hit the back of the net five times but all that has yielded a paltry three points.


The statistic provides for a compelling case for both coaches to apply appropriate tactics that would payback to their adherents, but which do not put their jobs at risk.


Not that Gor’s Otieno is under threat or Leopards’ septuagenarian Koops, but that nothing is ever guaranteed for the occupants of both teams’ technical benches.

Koops has unenviable task of plugging an AFC Leopards leaky defence that has conceded 19 goals so far, in a 4-5-1 formation he came up with to accommodate Ingwe’s expensive forward line of Mike Baraza, Francis Chinjili and Jimmy Bagaye.

On the other hand, Gor Mahia’s defence is the most trusted department, having conceded only nine goals so far, but their embarrassing wealth of strikers have had poor returns in front of goal.

While Congo-born Burundian Jonas Nahimana and returnee Collins Kisuya have looked promising in defence, the same cannot be said of the other.

Leopards’ Achilles Heel has been the centre-back channel.


The two first choice centre-backs Nahimana and John Amboko both started their careers at Leopards as fullbacks, but have since been moved to central roles with Edwin Wafula stepping up to the right and Kisuya to the left.

Thanks in part to the chaos in Leopards technical bench, Martin Imbalambala cannot say with certainty he has found a home in Ingwe’s den.

The youngster has shuttled between the central hole and defensive midfield, but without the relative success of the experience utility captain Nicholas Muyoti who has played the same role.


Gor Mahia, however, have no such problems in defence with Musa Mohamed, Solomon Nasio, Edwin Masika (Kandanda Award winner for May), Collins Omondi and Christopher Wekesa fitting in seamlessly.

But where things will happen is the engine room, the midfield. Gor Mahia’s Otieno will be tempted to play three hard men in the middle namely; Collins ‘Gatusso’ Okoth, Anthony Akumu and Moses Otieno Odhiambo.

The three are ball winners, but Otieno has an eye for the pass, but not in the proportions of Leopards’ Charles Okwemba.

Koops, however, might want to take advantage of Gor Mahia’s convoluted midfield of less mobile players by introducing Bernard Mang’oli who has scored two goals in two matches, with Baraza and Bageya all hinged on Okwemba who could play slightly in front of Muyoti.

Gor Mahia could be tempted to go for 4-3-1-2 formation especially as they lack natural wingers although both Moses Odhiambo (No 25) and Dan Makori can fit the description.

In the event of this, then Edwin Lavatsa and Makori could be used as attackers with the latter drifting in from wide left.


Odhiambo, who is establishing himself as Gor Mahia’s de facto free kick taker may then drop slightly ahead of the younger Odhiambo Otieno.


Former AFC Leopards reject Demonde Selenga could then be introduced in the second half to settle scores over the manner he was sacked by Ingwe.

In other media, MichezoAfrika has good articles on the game as does Futaa which also has previews. Pharis Kimaru speaks about Lionel Messi.