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Here is everything you need to know about the midfield battle that will potentially play a role in the outcome of the 96th Mashemeji Derby.
AFC Leopards will host Gor Mahia in the 96th edition of the Mashemeji derby set for the Nyayo Stadium on Sunday March 30.
This happens to be the first leg of Kenya's biggest two rival clubs facing off despite the 2024-25 season entering the homestretch of the second leg. Just like any other match or derby, there are certain elements in the match that tend to decide the outcome.
The midfield in particular is a battle department that tends to dictate the winner or loser of an encounter.
Pulse Sports brings you the midfield battle that could sway the result at the Nyayo stadium.
Enock Morrison vs Boniface Kweyu
Gor Mahia's No.6, Morrison, is one of the best in his position. The Ghanaian, capable of playing as a box-to-box midfielder too, has made the position his own since joining the record FKF Premier League champions at the start of the season.
There's no better player in the league at this position than the visionary midfielder, who not only protects the back four, but also, breaks up opposing attacks and initiates their team's transitions from defense to offense. Morrison is the reason Gor Mahia have conceded the second least goal in the league (16) only battered by Police with 12.
Leopards' Boniface Kweyu on the other hand, is a dynamic and combative destroyer who bulldozes the midfield. He wins 90 percent of his tackles and rarely puts his foot wrong. He will have to be watchful on Austin Odhiambo (should he pass a late fitness test) because he's more dangerous with the ball.
Kelly Madada vs Alpha Onyango
Kelly Madada is enjoying a breakthrough season at the Den. After making his debut against Tusker ealy in the season, he has made the No. 8 position his own. His energy is unmatched and how he connects midfield and attack as well as defensive responsibilities, is unimaginable.
AFC Leopards coach Fred Ambani has given the lanky midfielder the opportunity to do what he loves doing. His battle with Gor Mahia's Alpha Onyango could be a catalyst that will determine the superior side.
Onyango is in the form of his life having scored in the past three consecutive matches. Onyango is experienced and thrives well under pressure and knows how to move with the ball in tight spaces so those little details will come in handy in the derby that will be closely contested.
Victor Omune/Hassan Beja vs Austin Odhiambo
The creative midfield role is perhaps an exciting one with matchups. Strikers find it easy to bang goals if they have a No.10 with the creative pedigree capable of opening up defenses. Ingwe's pair of Omune and Beja are attacking magicians who find it easy to craft defense-splitting passes for the striker.
Whoever starts against perennial rivals Gor Mahia in the Mashemeji in that role, will have to be a quick thinker with the ball.
Although reports indicate that Odhiambo faces a race against time to be fit (which could potentially as well be a mind game), his availability will add extra impetus to Gor Mahia's attack. He leads the goalscoring charts for K'Ogallo with eight goals and is fresh from winning the Most Valuable Player award just last season.
With the ball, he is lethal, creative, visionary and dangerous in equal measure. Winning the midfield battle will have a lot of consequences in the Mashemeji Derby and there's no better place to enjoy the rivalry than at the Nyayo Stadium.
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