In the 99th derby at Nyayo National Stadium, Gor Mahia needed a late goal courtesy of captain Alpha Onyango to carry the derby bragging rights and move six points clear ahead of their rivals Ingwe on the 18-team league table.
The defeat denied AFC Leopards an opportunity to seal a season double over their opponents. AFC Leopards had won the first-round fixture 1-0.
Heading into the derby, Gor Mahia had registered 17 wins, seven draws, and four defeats, while AFC, under head coach and former player Fred Ambani, had managed 16 wins, seven draws, and suffered five defeats.
AFC players didn’t show up
“I want to point out that the team had a parched-up performance overall, showing up at times but disappearing occasionally,” Asibwa, who played for AFC Leopards during the 80s and 90s told Flashscore.
“Most of our players lacked preparedness and tools in regard to what it means to feature, the ‘tools’ to employ and indeed win the derby.
“As much as the coach positions himself as one that has never lost a derby, I think he didn’t give or rather the players did not get the memo description on how they’ll win on this occasion.
“The one thing that would have helped AFC Leopards to win would have been relentless pressure but they resorted to playing more back passes and square passes that gave Gor Mahia ample time to settle quickly into this game.”
The first half of the derby belonged to Gor Mahia, who attacked AFC Leopards from all angles for the opener, but goalkeeper Humphrey Katasi kept his side in the game with a couple of superb saves.
“In fact, AFC must thank their goalkeeper for keeping them in the game for long spells. AFC was worried more about not losing as opposed to thinking about winning which looked like dying before you’re killed,” added Asibwa.
Asibwa further singled out a mistake by coach Ambani to bench exciting midfielder Kelly Madada. According to Asibwa, the absence of the youngster killed AFC’s midfield, which at the end put pressure on their defence.
“Just like an engine if you remove one piston, the efficiency drops,” said Asibwa while referring to the absence of Madada, who was later introduced to the game for Boniface Munyendo.
“AFC Leopards midfield in the first half was wanting to put immense pressure on the defence coupled with a lack of supply to the strikers and wings, which is the main source of goals.”
‘Lack of confidence’
Asibwa further pointed out that AFC Leopards players lacked communication amongst themselves which led to their performance dropping significantly. He called on the club's top brass to consider inviting legends to speak to the players, before such derbies.
“Communication among and within the team was absent, pointing to a lack of confidence and presence of fear in our players' stomachs,” added Asibwa.
“I don’t know the personnel around the team but I think however little it might be, I think warriors of the team in the name of club legends should get a chance to speak to players prior to such big derby matches just to motivate them to inculcate that winning mentality and courage in the boys.
“The legend should show them the invincibility and how to prepare for such big games in terms of courage and confidence.
“I think it’s the norm worldwide that club legends are given opportunities to speak to current players as a way of motivating them and easing pressure that comes with derbies.”
Prior to the defeat, AFC Leopards had defeated Tusker 1-0, Kariobangi Sharks 1-0, and Murang’a Seal 2-0. Out of the 98 derby matches played before Sunday, Gor Mahia had secured 34 wins, 35 draws, while AFC Leopards had 29 wins.
The victory left Gor Mahia at the top with 61 points amassed from 18 wins, seven draws, and four defeats, while AFC Leopards remained second with 55 points garnered from 16 wins, seven draws, and six defeats.
