The Mashemeji Derby, pitting Gor Mahia against AFC Leopards, lived up to its billing as both teams took home a point a piece after a thrilling encounter at Moi Kasarani, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
George Owino of Gor Mahia (right) and AFC Leopards’ Noah Wafula during tense moments at the KPL match at Moi Kasarani, yesterday. PHOTO: STAFFORD ONDEGO / STANDARD
Despite the draw, the biggest positive to come from the match was the impressive performance of Noah Wafula, who kept his opponents on toes and the solid display from overlapping defender David Owino.
As the two teams were engaged in a grueling battle on the pitch, chants, dancing and the noise from the terraces kept the derby alive and frenzied throughout.
Fans from both teams turned out in large number donning their team colours. On the right side of the VIP seats, there were Gor fans wearing green jerseys while Leopards fans were on the left in their blue jerseys.
One thing that stood out was the peaceful atmosphere that fans from both sides maintained.
Mexican wave
They occasionally taunted one another with the usual gesticulations, but the friendly mien, complete with Mexican wave, made the terraces fun to be in, rather than the danger zones that they have been in the past.
Fans started ariving at Kasarani at 10am and many were seen in nearby restaurants, eateries and bars ‘preparing’ for the encounter.
“We need a peaceful atmosphere in the local league,” said an elderly fan.
Matchwise, the rivals displayed a thrilling game from the onset with Paul Kiongera’s close range strike hitting the wood-work in the opening minutes. The miss left K’Ogalo faithful in dismay as their Ingwe counterparts celebrated.
Thorn in defence
But as both teams tried to settle, Allan Wanga who was a thorn in Gor’s defence 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.
Paul Were doubled the lead in the 50th minute after a well-taken pass from Edward Seda.
But the intensity of the fight-back and the quality of the football shown by the home team was something that couldn’t go unnoticed.
Just after 10 minutes, Dan Sserenkuma proved his worthiness as he once again tormented the Leopards’ defence, pulling a goal back for Gor.
As the Green Army continued to cheer their team, Ingwe failed to contain pressure and it was in the 85th minute that David Owino brought down the stadium with a splendid volley.
By RODGERS ESHITEMI, The Standard
