By Samuel Munai
The much anticipated Mashemeji derby ended in a stalemate. Gor Mahia FC and AFC Leopards fired blanks as the FKF Premier League’s highlight clash of the season failed to live up to expectation on Sunday at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
The match which was played behind the closed doors for the first time in the history due to the prevailing COVID-19 restrictions in the country.
The 89th meeting between the two sides marked the 32nd draw, with Gor boasting of 30 wins against leopard’s 27. The result left Ingwe fourth on the log with 19 points, behind leaders Tusker FC, KCB and Wazito who have 26, 25 and 20 respectively, while Gor are sixth with 16.
Leopards coach Athony Kimani, who was leading Leopards in his last match as an interim manager following the arrival of head coach Patrick Aussems, said the draw was worth taking home considering the recent record against the reigning champions.
“We have really progressed in terms of growth, and while the feeling it’s two points lost cannot fade away completely, we still congratulate the players for fighting for the draw,” remarked the Kimani, reflecting on Gor’s dominance over them since 2016.
Gor mahia’a Carlos Manuel Vaz Pinto said he was unhappy with the result stating that they had a lot of chances in the first half which they did not take and costed them two points.
Elsewhere in Kericho, Zoo Kericho lost to visiting Bidco United 2-0 in the only other FKF PL match of the day. This is Bidco’s second win in a row, after beating Posta Rangers 1-0 in the last outing.
Saturday’s result saw KCB register a vital 1-0 win against Vihiga United Kakamega Homeboyz overcame stubborn Nairobi City Stars 2-0 while Bandari drowned kariobangi Sharks by a goal to nil