The Good, The Bad And The Ugly Side Of The Mashemeji Derby (PHOTOS)

Piece by: Caren Nyota
InPictures

In EPL there is Arsenal Vs Manchester United, in El Classico we have Real Madrid and Barcelona and so in Kenya we have AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia popularly known as Mashemeji Derby. Just like other derbies, the Kenyan derby is no different, it's characterised by all kinds of hooliganism.

Yesterday, the much anticipated Mashemeji derby pitting AFC Leopards and defending champions Gor Mahia went down at the Nyayo National Stadium but the match was called off after a section of fans started throwing stones on the pitch. This has always been the case whenever the two traditional arch-rivals meet. In most cases, the matches end prematurely and yesterday was no different.

Well, during the derby, we saw a lot happen and below are some of the things that took place

1. The Good Side

It was pomp and color in the CBD. Fans of the two teams converged in town at their respective places before heading to the Nyayo National Stadium where the real action was. They sang and danced praising their teams and mocking their rivals. Mashemeji as they refer to each other, then headed to the stadium where most of them cheered their respective teams before the match was cancelled.

Started 

2. The Bad Side

"Derby bila teargas si derby", this has always been a "slogan" between the Mashemeji's. Just like the other derbies, yesterday was no different, trouble started after Gor Mahia was awarded a penalty and as usual, police officers had no choice but throw teargas to disperse the rowdy fans.

3. The Ugly Side

Scores were injured in the Mashemeji after fans of the two teams clashed. This has been there since time immemorial and it seems like it is not going to stop anytime soon unless the football governing bodies intervene.