Players to watch out for in the Mashemeji Derby

Record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia will on Sunday afternoon travel to the Nyayo National Stadium to renew their fierce rivalry with sworn enemies AFC Leopards in the 92nd edition of the Mashemeji Derby.

In the match that has tended to lean in favour of Gor Mahia for the last six and half years, with K’Ogalo having not lost any encounter since March 2016 (W9 D3), Mozzart Sport looks at the players who could make a difference in the encounter with bragging rights and pride at stake for the two sides.

Mashemeji Derby: Gor Mahia out to extend imperious record against arch rivals AFC Leopards

Benson Omala (Gor Mahia)

The former Western Stima striker could not have asked to go into the Mashemeji Derby at a better time.

Since the opening game of the 2022/2023 campaign, no man has scored more goals than the youngster who has found the back of the net ten times in the ten games he has played so far, an average of a goal a game.

With the ten goals, Omala sits at the top of the scoring charts this season with his closest challenger Elvis Rupia closing the gap to 8 goals after bagging a hat trick against Tusker on Saturday.

Omala also has the previous experience of what playing in a Mashemeji Derby feels like as he has scored once the last time the two sides met in the 91st edition.

He comes into the game in the form of his life having scored four goals in his last two matches, a man that Ingwe should be very wary of.

Dennis Ng’anga and Joshua Onyango (Gor Mahia)

It was difficult to pick one player over the other because of how the two centre backs have been phenomenal for Gor Mahia this season.

With the departures of Harun Shakava and Frank Odhiambo, the two have formed a formidable centre back partnership that has seen Gor concede the least number of goals so far – 4.

Everything you need to know ahead of the 92nd Mashemeji Derby

In the opening ten games, K’Ogalo have also not conceded more than once on the rare occasion that they were beaten.

In a game where both sides have to protect their boxes, all eyes will be on Ngang’a and Onyango to work their defensive magic once again.

Boniface Omondi (Gor Mahia)

The diminutive winger enters the clash as the Mashemeji Derby top scorer among the players who are still actively playing for either of the two sides.

Having scored three goals so far, Omondi will not need any more motivation in chasing Samuel ‘Jogoo’ Onyango and Dan Sserenkuma’s record of six goals.

The player has also been quite impactful as a super substitute, with his pace and trickery surely to cause a concern for the team.

Cliff Nyakeya (AFC Leopards)

The fleet footed winger is one of AFC Leopards live wires. A mistimed challenge here and he is gone!

With three goals to his name so far this season, the Harambee Stars winger has the threat to both score and create opportunities for his team in a switch.

Comes into the game with two goals in his last three games having helped Ingwe to their current three match winning streak.

Should provide a good test to his marker on the day.

Ojo Olaniyi (AFC Leoopards)

The Nigerian international is the club’s top scorer this season after bagging five goals and will want to rise to the occasion when the club needs him the most.

With his towering frame and physical build, Olaniyi can prove to be a good source of constant nuisance to the Gor Mahia defenders in the match.

Will also prove to be crucial in his linkup and hold up play with the rest of his teammates as they build their game against K’Ogalo.

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Lewis Bandi (AFC Leopards)

The promising utility man has shown enough talent to cause any opponent in a game.

With his composure in the defensive third and ability to create problems in attack, Bandi will be one to watch out for when the derby takes place.

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The youngster, who currently is deployed in midfield by head coach Patrick Aussems, never shows any signs of being fazed on the big occasion and could be a lethal weapon in ensuring Ingwe’s defense and attack is well coordinated.