BY
EMBUKANE VINCENT LIBOSSO
L
|
Ast
weekend; the much hyped “mashemeji derby” pitting two of Kenya’s oldest
football clubs, Gor Mahia against AFC Leopards; lived up to its billing as both
teams bagged home a point a piece. The thrilling Sunday afternoon encounter at
Moi Kasarani; ended in a 2-2 draw.
But
away from the grueling battle on the pitch; chants, raves, dancing and the
noise from “Russia”; the terraces as they are known in local football language;
kept the derby alive; motivated the boys and frenzied throughout.
From
as early as 10 am; fans from both teams had began thronging the Kasarani
stadium- some on foot; others on public service and those with swag; on their
classy cars. Fans from both teams turned out in large numbers donning their
team colors with pomp and pride.
The
crowd deserves a pat on the back for maintaining peace. Despite the occasional taunting;
the peaceful atmosphere from both sides prevailed. At certain points; the
friendly mien was completed with a Mexican wave. What a fun place it was to be
in.
Back
to the pitch and the rivals displayed a thrilling game from the onset with Paul
Kiongera’s close range strike hitting the wood-work in the opening minutes. Come
the 15th minute and Kiongera was at it again; when he beat his
marker and faced Patrick Matasi in the Leopard’s goal, but the custodian
stopped the first shot.
Kiongera
could not score from the rebound either and instead; hit the post and was cleared
by Leopard’s defenders.
The
miss left K’ogalo faithful in dismay as their Ingwe counterparts celebrated.
But
as both teams tried to settle; Allan Wanga, who was a thorn in Gor’s defense,
outpaced his marker in the 34th minute before executing a superb
cross that landed on Noah Wafula’s foot; who made no mistake in tapping the
ball home with Jerim Onyango well beaten. It was Wafula’s first goal in the
derby.
Come
the second half; inspired by the first half goal; and Ingwe were back stronger.
In the 50th minute; Paul Were doubled the lead after a well-taken
pass from Edward Seda.
A
determined Gor side showed their intensity to fight back and a n amazing
quality of football showdown that saw the same thorn that haunted Ingwe; Dan Sserenkuma
capitalize on AFC’S defensive error, to reduce the deficit.
But
it was David Owino who brought the stadium down with his clinical volley in the
dying 85th minute. He scored a brace last year in Gor 2-1 win and a
solitary goal in the first leg.
The
derby now leaves Gor firmly on top of the log with 41 points; while Leopards
are now third with 32 points. Ulinzi are second with 33 points; Sofapaka come
fourth with 32 points and Thika United close the top-five bar with 32 points. Only
9 matches are remaining to the close of the Leagues’ season!
