The 98th derby between Kenya’s most decorated clubs in league history arrives at a moment when K’Ogalo are striving to reclaim the league crown they lost last season to Kenya Police FC, while Ingwe aim to break a 29-year title drought.

As of last season, Gor Mahia have secured the Kenyan top division title a record 21 times, whereas Leopards have won 12 league championships, with the rivalry dating back to their first encounter on May 5th, 1968.

Arguably, the true derby rivalry began in 1980, after K’Ogalo overthrew Ingwe (then Abaluhya FC) in the final of the East and Central Africa Club Championship in Malawi. Prior to that, the dominant fixture in Kenyan football shifted depending on which teams were leading the scene.

When is the derby and how can you watch it?

The tenth matchday of the current season will take place on Sunday, December 7th, at Nyayo National Stadium. The game will be broadcast live on Tanzania’s Pay TV Channel Azam TV, FKF’s broadcast partner, on Azam Sports 4HD, starting at 13:00hrs.

What have the coaches said?

While AFC Leopards coach Fred Ambani will be managing his third derby, his Gor Mahia counterpart Charles Akonnor will be leading his first. The Ghanaian legend joined K’Ogalo at the beginning of this season.

Ahead of the match, Ambani expressed strong confidence that Ingwe have prepared well enough to defeat their rivals, who have dominated recent encounters.

“We are doing well. The players’ morale and attitude are positive. Everything is in order, and we are ready for the game. Apart from a few injuries, which I prefer not to disclose now, we are prepared because any of the 30 players can step up,” Ambani told the press before the derby.

“I have never lost to Gor Mahia, either as a player or coach, and we aim to win this game. However, it’s up to the players to perform because I won’t be on the field. I want them to make the fans proud.”

Meanwhile, Akonnor, who has managed nine league matches so far with six wins, one draw, and two losses, highlighted the derby’s significance and why Gor Mahia must emerge victorious.

“This match is very important to our supporters, the team, the club’s legacy, and myself. We are doing everything and preparing seriously to ensure we secure maximum points on Sunday,” Akonnor stated.

Gor Mahia have been dominant in recent derbies, with Ingwe mostly trying to catch up. According to records, Ingwe have managed only one win in the last six encounters against K’Ogalo.

Team news

Gor Mahia will be without two key players - Bryson Wangai, and Lawrence Juma due to injuries. The club released a statement confirming their absence from the derby.

“Bryson is in the final recovery phase from an ankle injury sustained against Tusker and is close to returning; Lawrence Juma is undergoing rehabilitation after a groin injury,” the statement read.

“Neither will be available for selection. The rest of the squad is in excellent condition for the derby.”

Despite this setback, Gor Mahia still have an experienced team to rely on, including goalkeeper Byrne Omondi, Sylvester Owino, Austin Odhiambo, Michael Kibwage, and Ghanaian import Ebenezer Adukwaw.

For AFC Leopards, there are no injury worries, with forward James Kinyanjui expected to lead the attack, supported by captain Victor Omune.

Form guide

Both teams enter the derby with mixed results from their opening top-flight matches. Gor Mahia currently leads the 18-team Premier League with 19 points from nine games, while AFC Leopards sit sixth with 14 points from the same number of matches.

Gor Mahia have recorded six wins, one draw, and two losses, whereas AFC Leopards have three wins, five draws, and one defeat.

Ticketing information

According to Gor Mahia, the home team, only 18,000 tickets will be available for the derby. The club stated that access to tickets was limited due to strict regulations imposed by Sports Kenya and in compliance with CAF rules.

Gor Mahia official Nick Arum also revealed that the derby will feature a curtain-raiser match involving the women's teams from both clubs.

“We plan to open the gates at 9 am so fans can enjoy a performance by Musa Jakadala and watch the curtain-raiser between Gor Mahia Queens and AFC Leopards Queens,” Arum said, as quoted by Nation Media.

“More than 300 police officers will be deployed for the match on Sunday, including personnel from the regular police, Administration Police, General Service Unit, and traffic department.”

He concluded: “Selling drinks in containers that could be used as weapons will be prohibited. Vendors must use safer packaging.”

Last season, the first round ended in a 0-0 draw before Ingwe came back from behind to earn a 1-1 draw in the return fixture.

During the previous season, K’Ogalo celebrated a double victory over their rivals, winning 2-0 in the first round and 1-0 in the second, en route to claiming a record 21st league title.