Why Mashemeji Derby could decide Premier League champion

Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards players confront the referee during last year's Mashemeji Derby at Nyayo Stadium. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

For the first time in decades, the Mashemeji Derby is likely to decide who will be crowned the 2025-2026 SportPesa Premier League champion.

While a champion won’t be crowned on Sunday, the winner of the 99th derby will surely build momentum towards the remaining five matches.

Currently, Gor Mahia leads the Premier League table with 58 points, holding a narrow three-point advantage over second-placed AFC Leopards.

If Gor Mahia wins, they will open a six-point gap and perhaps head into the final stretch at ease, but if Ingwe completes a double over K’Ogalo, it will set up a gruelling finish to the league with every battle ahead acting as a final for both teams, who will be tied on points.

That is why Gor Mahia assistant coach Bismark Kobi-Mensah is urging his players to be mentally prepared for the derby to be able to avoid the 1-0 loss witnessed in December last year.

"In our last derby, we had some bad moments in the opening minutes of the match where the players looked not ready mentally for the game.

"This is one game where we really need a stable temperament and to be tactically ready," he said.

The Ghanaian tactician added that Gor Mahia head into the clash with confidence, backed by tactical analysis and preparation, as they aim to avenge their first leg defeat.

Kobi-Mensah said Gor Mahia have carefully studied AFC Leopards, pointing out that they have analysed both the team’s strengths and weaknesses in detail as part of their preparation.

"We have watched AFC Leopards and know their strengths and weaknesses. We now just need to work and be ready for the match,” he said.

"It is a very big and difficult game. We have not been able to win our last three matches, nor have we scored a goal, and that is a very big worry for us. We are focusing on improving in many areas like that."

This will be the second derby for head coach Charles Akonnor and his technical team, who are looking to avenge the first-leg defeat.

Meanwhile, Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier has heavily criticised the level of officiating in the country following a series of complaints from different quarters.

He expressed deep concern over what he termed 'inconsistent and questionable' refereeing decisions at a decisive stage of the season.

This is following Gor’s 0-0  draw with Bandari, where the referee ended the match prematurely with three minutes left on the clock and also overturned the penalty earlier awarded.

“Are we playing without laws today? I mean, you can’t physically engage or threaten a referee without punishment. Why was the game ended in the 92nd minute while time added was five minutes? These are the questions the federation needs to answer,” posed the chairman.

“I’m not speaking as Gor Mahia chairman, but as a stakeholder in the game. Are we truly satisfied with the level of officiating in our league?

“There have been questionable decisions at a very critical point of the season. Justice must prevail—not just for Gor Mahia, but for every team in the league. We are not asking for favours, only that the rules are applied fairly.”