Mashemeji Derby: FKF Confirms New Date and Venue for 2025/26 First-Leg Showdown

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has announced a change in both the date and venue of the first leg of the 2025/26 Mashemeji Derby, with Gor Mahia set to host AFC Leopards on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Nyayo National Stadium. 

The fixture, initially scheduled for November 30 at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, has been brought forward by a day to pave way for Nairobi United’s CAF Confederation Cup group stage match, which will take place at the same venue on Sunday. SportPesa, the official league sponsor, confirmed that the derby will kick off at 3 PM.

The rescheduling became necessary after Nairobi United secured Kasarani for their Group Stage encounter against AS Maniema Union from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Nairobi United are aiming to recover from their 3–0 defeat to Wydad AC in Casablanca on November 23, while their opponents head to Nairobi on the back of a morale-boosting 2–0 victory over Azam FC. The Kenyan side, making its debut in the continental group stages, will be hoping to register a positive result in their first home fixture.

Gor Mahia head into the derby in impressive form and currently sit at the top of the SportPesa Premier League table with 19 points. 

They are unbeaten in their last seven matches, winning six and drawing one, and recently dominated the SportPesa League monthly awards, where coach Charles Akonnor was named Coach of the Month and forward Shariff Musa claimed the Player of the Month accolade. 

Gor Mahia also boast a strong recent record in the Mashemeji Derby, having avoided defeat in the last four meetings with two wins and two draws.

AFC Leopards, on the other hand, continue to struggle for consistency. Ingwe are winless in their last three matches, with two draws and a loss, and their most recent outing ended in a 1–1 draw against Kariobangi Sharks. They will be seeking their first victory over their fierce rivals since May 2023, a drought that has added pressure on the technical bench as they look to revive their season. 

With the derby now confirmed for November 29 at Nyayo Stadium, both teams will shift focus to preparing for one of Kenya’s most anticipated fixtures, a clash that continues to command passion, rivalry and national attention year after year.