Gor Mahia Goalkeeper Raises Stakes For Mashemeji Derby as Fixture's Fate Hangs in the Balance

Gor Mahia goalkeeper Gad Mathews has stressed the importance of winning the Mashemeji Derby against AFC Leopards, as the fate of the fixture scheduled for Sunday at the Kasarani Stadium faces doubt.

Mathews, one of Gor Mahia’s longest-serving players, knows what it takes to win a title, and the shot-stopper reckons the clash against their bitter rivals AFC Leopard will be a key title decider.

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Gor Mahia are in a thrilling three-way battle for the title against Kenya Police and Tusker.

The FKF Premier League champions place second with 53 points, two behind Police at the summit, while Tusker trail in third with 52 points.

The 21-time champions cannot afford to drop points against Leopards, and Mathews acknowledges this.

“The Mashemeji Derby is no doubt a title-deciding clash," said the Gor Mahia goalkeeper, as quoted by Mozzart Sport.

Mathews further contrasted the magnitude with that of their latest outing against Shabana in the Nyanza Derby on Sunday, which they won 1-0 at a tough Gusii ground to keep their hopes alive.

"Just like the Shabana game, the AFC Leopards tie will be even more decisive," he added.

The Gor Mahia shot-stopper said that failure to collect maximum points will see their title hopes fade.

"Without maximum points, the title race could take a different turn as we near the end."

With only five games to go before the league concludes, every game now is a must-win.

K'Ogalo cannot afford to repeat their first-leg mistake of drawing with Ingwe, as Kenya Police could open the gap or Tusker leapfrog them.

If Sunday’s clash does go on, Mathews and his teammates will need to overcome their bitter rivals to keep their title hopes alive.