- The first leg of the 2025/26 Mashemeji Derby between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards has been postponed
- The original match was scheduled for 30 November 2025 at Kasarani Stadium
- FKF first moved it to Nyayo Stadium on 29 November, but both venues are now unavailable
The highly anticipated Mashemeji Derby, Kenya’s biggest football rivalry, will not take place as scheduled. Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards were set to clash in the SportPesa League on November 30, 2025, at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) initially moved the match to Nyayo Stadium a day earlier, on 29 November, but both Kasarani and Nyayo are now unavailable.
The original change was prompted by Nairobi United’s CAF Confederation Cup commitments. The team will host AS Maniema Union from the Democratic Republic of Congo at Kasarani. CAF fixtures automatically take priority over domestic league games.
Nyayo Stadium, the backup venue, was also ruled out as it will host World AIDS Day commemorations led by President William Ruto, with preparations starting days before the scheduled match.
This is not the first time the Mashemeji Derby has faced disruption. Last season, the fixture was postponed twice due to renovations at the national stadiums ahead of the 2024 CHAN tournament co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Gor Mahia, as the official hosts, confirmed the latest postponement in a letter from Secretary General Nicanor Arum to FKF Leagues and Competitions Manager Frank Ogola.
“I write to formally notify your office that, as the host team for the forthcoming SportPesa League match against AFC Leopards, we have been unable to secure a suitable venue for the fixture. In light of this challenge, we kindly request that the match be postponed to a later date to be communicated by your office in due course,” read part of the letter.
FKF has yet to announce a new date or venue for the derby, leaving fans and teams awaiting updates on when the iconic clash will finally take place.
