HT Report: Police teargas adds fire to Mashemeji Derby as Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards battle at Nyayo

The Nyayo Stadium is packed to the rafters with over 20,000 passionate fans, but the build-up to the much-anticipated Mashemeji Derby between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards was anything but smooth.

Police were forced to use teargas to disperse rowdy supporters attempting to force their way into the venue, creating early tension before a ball was even kicked.

Yet inside, the atmosphere was electric — a sea of green and blue roaring with every touch of the ball.

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Despite the chaos outside, the players delivered a fiercely contested first half, with both sides showing intent and flashes of brilliance, even if the scoreboard remains untouched at the break.

The match started brightly with AFC Leopards taking the initiative.

In the sixth minute, Semo Samuel stepped up to take a freekick just outside the Gor Mahia box. He struck it well, but it drifted narrowly wide.

Semo was not done yet — the center-back was immense at the other end of the pitch too, pulling off a brilliant block in the 16th minute to deny Gor a clear chance at goal after a slick team move.

Gor Mahia began to settle and grow into the contest. Their midfield trio of Lawrence Juma, Enock Morrison, and Geoffrey Ochieng began to dictate the tempo, and by the 21st minute, they nearly found the breakthrough.

Shariff Musa, one of Gor’s liveliest players, unleashed a rocket from the edge of the box that looked destined for the top corner, only for Levis Opiyo to pull off a stunning save and keep the Leopards in it.

Gor Mahia, meanwhile, were forced to start without key playmaker Austin Odhiambo, who was only fit enough for the bench following a recent injury.

His absence was felt in their build-up play, with Lawrence Juma and Enock Morrison struggling to find consistent rhythm in the final third.

Both teams traded blows but could not break the deadlock, and as the halftime whistle blew, the energy inside the stadium remained as tense as ever.

It is goalless, but certainly not lifeless at Nyayo.

AFC Leopards Starting Line-up: Levis Opiyo, Lewis Bandi, Samuel Semo, Kaycie Odhiambo, Randi Bakari, Mousa Oundo, Ovella Ochieng, Bonface Kweyu, Maxwell Otieno, Kelly Okonji, Hassan Beja

Gor Mahia Starting Line-up: Gad Mathews Otieno, Paul Ochuoga, Joshua Onyango, Alphonce Omija, Joseph Levin Odhiambo, Lawrence Juma, Enock Morrison, Geoffrey Ochieng, Alpha Onyango, Gedeon Bendeka, Shariff Musa