Calls to fire coach Akonnor emerge after AFC Leopards’ Mashemeji Derby win
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Reading Time: 4min | Mon. 08.12.25. | 11:37
The win saw Leopards secure their third win over Gor Mahia in nine years
A section of Gor Mahia fans talked big prior to the 98th edition of the Mashemeji Derby.
Their good start in the 2025-2026 season appeared to have given them sufficient reasons to think that they would easily skin AFC Leopards alive.
However, their form, head-to-head record as well as home advantage counted for nothing, as Leopards won 1-0 to not only scoop all points, but bragging rights as well.
Julius Masaba, a man Leopards invested Ksh1.5 million for his signature, scored his arguably consequential goal, while in Ingwe colours, to earn his side three points.
Mozzart Sport was at Nyayo National Stadium to cover the match and hear post-match thoughts from the fans, who filled the facility to the rafters.
While Gor Mahia fans were left licking their wounds, their Leopards counterparts were quick to remind them of why it is imperative not to count their chicken before they hatch.
“If there is a derby the whole AFC Leopards fraternity was sure of winning, was this one. Gor Mahia were on form, and we were sure they would underrate us.
We were inconsistent and therefore knew that we had to work extra hard if we were to win the derby.
With that, I was confident that we would be victorious, and that was evident from the first whistle. We were in control of the game from the first minute to the end. My weekend is made, my December is officially a success, thanks to AFC Leopards,” Paul Kahindi told Mozzart Sport.
For Juliet Nasambu, the derby provided a platform for Leopards to silence K’Ogalo players and fans.
“They (Gor Mahia) were so sure of beating us. They spoke in confidence and sometimes looked down upon us. Morrison (Enock), in particular, was so sure of winning against us while their fans did not show any iota of respect.
For us, we chose to use that as a motivation as both fans and players prepared for the match, and we did so with precision.
I am glad that Leopards are finally commanding the respect that we really deserve. We just have to be consistent in our subsequent games,” she stated.
On Facebook, Kevin Madegwa credited the win to coach Fred Ambani.
“Ambani has never lost a derby, both as a player and as a coach. He has always had confidence ahead of this fixture and there was no way he was going to lose this one.
He did his homework right, and we not only won, but also had a dominant performance."
As expected, the same joy and excitement was not shared by their K’Ogalo counterparts, who were frustrated with the outcome of the match.
“We were off-color today. We were second in all aspects of the game; Leopards were better in aggressiveness, they went in hard for duels, they were best in 50-50 balls, and covered more distance than us.
Basically, Shemeji (Leopards)wanted the win more than we did. From the first minute, you could tell it was going to be a difficult afternoon for us,” said David Okello.
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For Fredrick Nyamwango, the defeat is enough to have coach Charles Akonnor fired.
“I think I have seen enough of the Ghanaian coach, and I can confidently conclude that he is not the right man for the job. He started giving excuses even before the derby, as if to prepare us for a loss.
We gave him clear instructions before the start of the league, win the title and the derby, and I believe he should be sacked before he messes up with the big plan.
We have lost to Bidco, APS Bomet and AFC Leopards. If you ask me, we shouldn't have lost any of those matches. The coach does not inspire confidence at all,” remarked Nyamwango.
Sharon Awuor, on her part, believes the loss is a blessing in disguise.
“If you have keenly followed our last four matches, you will realize that we had started being complacent. While it is painful to have lost the derby, I believe it will help us to come back to our senses and realize that we have to work hard in every game for us to win the league.”
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As former Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards goalkeeper Wycliffe Kasaya rightfully told Mozzart Sport before the game, the derby is not won by the team on form but rather by the team that shows up for the day, challenges for every ball, and is hungrier for the win.
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