Gor Mahia captain Philemon Otieno ruled out of Mashemeji Derby

Gor Mahia's coach Johnathan McKinstry has issued the team news update ahead of the much-awaited Mashemeji Derby scheduled to take place this Sunday, April 21 at Nyayo Stadium from 3:00 pm.

Addressing the section of the media, K'Ogalo's tactician indicated that captain Philemon Otieno will not be fit for selection in the mouthwatering clash between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards.

The gaffer explained that the skipper is nursing an injury and will not make it to the Mashemeji Derby match squad.

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Besides Philomen Otieno, Gor Mahia will lock horns with Ingwe without the services of Patrick Kaddu and Emery Bayisenge who are all sidelined due to injuries.

"Otherwise, everyone else is making steady progress. Patrick Kaddu who has been out for a little while with a hamstring injury is now probably 80 percent. Emery Bayisenge is a little bit behind. This week may come a little bit early for Emery Bayisenge and Philemon Otieno who is out as well from the injury," the gaffer explained.

Rooney Onyango who was badly tackled during the FKF Premier League clash against Nzoia in Sudi Stadium where Gor won 3-1, will be fit for selection.

McKinstry detailed that despite the early injury concerns, Rooney resumed training and he will fit for selection.

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"Everyone is fit. But we all know Rooney Onyango really took a bad tackle last week and had to come out of the game. He was training not quite as much as everyone else but we think he'll be ready for the game," Gor Mahia's coach added.

Despite a few injury setbacks, McKinstry insisted that his side is ready to take the game to AFC Leopards and exert their dominance in the derby.

"Other than that, everybody is ready to go as you can see in the training there's a lot of competition and everybody wants to play. But this has been the same here for the last three or four weeks," he stated.

“This is a showcase game for the league, it is the last opportunity this season at a big stadium for a big game, with the TV cameras there, not just Kenya watching but also the whole of East Africa and Africa watching.

They should come out and be part of that celebration of Kenyan football. Whether you are a Gor fan, an AFC Leopards fan, or a neutral, on Sunday, come out, bring your family, and let's have a full stadium and let's show the whole of Africa what Kenyan football is all about," McKinstry appealed to the fans.

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On the other hand, AFC Leopards are also prepared for the test. Speaking to AFC Leopards media, head coach Tomas Trucha promised a thrilling encounter to help Ingwe extend their winning streak.

"Our preparations revolve around tactical, mental, and physical aspects. We see this as a challenge because Gor Mahia are the reigning champions and league leaders. However, in the derby, there's no clear favourite, and we must be prepared," he noted.

In the first leg of the Mashemeji Derby, Gor picked up a 2-0 win courtesy of a Benson Omala double and they face off when Gor are firmly in control of the title-defending quest with 54 points while AFC sit 8th with 38 points.

Regular tickets for the match will be sold at Ksh300 while VIP ones will go for Ksh1,000.

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