Gor Mahia coach rules out AFC Leopards derby as title decider

Kenyan Premier League giants Gor Mahia will welcome AFC Leopards for the second round of the FKF Premier League derby popularly known as Mashemeji derby at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.

The fixture, which will be the 99th derby between Kenya’s top giants, will see Gor Mahia open a five-point gap at the top of the 18-team league table if they manage to win.

🟢 | NEXT MATCH

We take on AFC Leopards on Sunday in a crunch league tie at Nyayo Stadium Stadium.

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— GOR MAHIA FC (@OfficialGMFC) April 23, 2026

However, should AFC Leopards beat their sworn rivals, they will not only move above them, but will have completed a memorable double over the nemesis. Speaking ahead of the game, Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor has insisted the outcome will not decide, who wins the title.

Mashemeji derby not title decider

“We are looking at ourselves; we are not looking at AFC, we are looking at what we can do to maintain our place at the top,” the Ghanaian legend told the media ahead of the derby as quoted by Pulse Sports.

“But let’s not forget that this is not the only match we have; we shall be playing other matches. Our match against AFC Leopards is one of the biggest matches as far as the Kenyan league is concerned, but it is not a decider.”

Akonnor added: “Football includes winning and losing matches, and what you have to do is to remain focused. We should be the team that does not give any opponents a chance. We want to focus on this match.”

Gor Mahia must be strong mentally

Gor Mahia will also seek to overturn the first-round defeat which saw AFC Leopards emerge 1-0 winners.

“We know mentally we need to be strong because this match comes with a lot of issues. The boys have trained very well, and we are ready. We have done everything within our power to ensure that the boys are mentally prepared,” added Akonnor.

🟢 | TRAINING

… preparation ahead of the derby. 💪

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— GOR MAHIA FC (@OfficialGMFC) April 25, 2026

On whether Lewis Bandi will feature in the derby after recovering from injury, Akonnor said: “I won’t be able to tell you that. If I tell you, then it means I’m revealing my setup. But Bundy has done very well since his injury.

“He’s had a couple of chances to play. He’s still doing well. He’s still pushing. But we don’t know yet. On Sunday, we will know.

“Well, we’re waiting till tomorrow or Saturday to confirm. But so far, it’s been good. As you can see, they’re training. They’re doing very well. But it’s not a guarantee that they will be available for the match.

With five matches remaining to conclude the season, Gor Mahia are currently leading the pile with 58 points, two more than second-placed AFC Leopards.

Gor Mahia have registered 17 wins, seven draws, and four defeats, while AFC, under coach Fred Ambani, have managed 16 wins, seven draws, and suffered five defeats.

Last season, the first-round meeting between the two giants ended in a 0-0 draw before the return fixture produced a 1-1 draw. However, during the 2024-25 campaign, Gor Mahia went home smiling after sealing a double over their rivals.