The 98th Mashemeji Derby promises fireworks. While this historic clash is often tense, tactical and fiercely contested, there have been moments when caution was thrown out the window and goals flowed freely.

We look back at the rare league derbies that produced five or more goals, those unforgettable matches where both sides found their scoring touch.

 

22 February 1975 – Gor Mahia 5–1 AFC Leopards

The first derby in which either team scored more than two goals, and we did it in style at City Stadium. AFC Leopards, then Abaluhya, had missed the previous league season, and their return was anything but pleasant.

Laban Otieno delivered the only Mashemeji Derby hat-trick to date, with Maurice ‘Ole Tunda’ Ouma and Francis ‘Power’ Mudany adding to the tally. Vincent Mwenje scored Leopards’ lone consolation.

 

02 August 1986 – Gor Mahia 2–3 AFC Leopards

Derbies had remained cagey for years until this explosive afternoon at City Stadium.

The legendary Sammy Onyango ‘Jogoo’ struck twice for Gor but a brace from Dan Musuku and another from Patrick Shim handed Leopards the win.

This result sparked internal accusations of sabotage and the suspension of several Gor players. It also strengthened the myth that once Jogoo scored, no one else would score for Gor in the derby.

 

01 February 2003 – Gor Mahia 2–3 AFC Leopards

Both clubs were going through difficult periods but the derby still delivered drama.

Goals from Patrick Oyiengo and Emmanuel Wakata kept us in the fight, but Leopards edged it with strikes from Dickson Analo, Ramadhan Balala, and Ahmed Farid.

 

28 February 2009 – Gor Mahia 3–2 AFC Leopards

After two seasons in the second tier, AFC Leopards returned to the top flight and we welcomed them back with a thriller at Kasarani.

A Zablon ‘Pro’ Otieno strike, a Habil Otieno goal, and an own goal secured victory for K’Ogalo.

 

10 November 2019 – Gor Mahia 4–1 AFC Leopards

Our fifth derby win in a row came in emphatic fashion.

A brilliant brace from Gnamien Gisle Yipké, supported by goals from Clifton Miheso and Lawrence Juma, delivered our second-highest derby scoreline.

Will the next derby deliver another goal fest? History suggests that when the mashemeji derby gets going, unforgettable moments follow. Fans will be watching closely on derby day, because anything can happen.