Dull Mashemeji Derby Ends In Goalless Stalemate

Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards played to a goalless draw in their Mashemeji Derby encounter at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

An ordinary opening half made way for a frantic second, which seemed to go by in a flash as the Kenyan rivals played up to the always highly-anticipated clash between the country’s premier clubs in Nairobi.

Leopards dominated the possession stakes in the opening half-hour, but the Gor Mahia defence stood firm and kept them at bay.

Ingwe’s first real effort on goal came in the 31^st minute when Elvis Rupia met a left-sided free-kick from Clyde Senaji, but the striker’s header went narrowly over the target.

Five minutes later Leopards came close again when a long ball from Robinson Kamura was flicked onto Austin Odhiambo, but his 14-yard shot from an acute angle was superbly saved by the Gor Mahia keeper.

Ingwe continued to push forward in the final ten minutes of the half, but could not find the opening goal before the break.

Gor came out strong in the second half and had the first real chance on goal in the 53^rd minute with Jules Ulimwengu trying his luck from long range, but Benjamin Ochan produced a great acrobatic save to deny him.

In the 67^th minute, substitute John Macharia came close to scoring when he met a Geoffrey Ochieng corner-kick, but he headed inches over from close range.

Ten minutes later Nicholas Kipkirui made his way into the Leopards’ box, but Ochan was at his best yet again with another fine stop from 16-yards out.

Leopards threw numbers forward in the final ten minutes of the game, but were unable to find the back of the net and had to settle for a share of the spoils.