The highly anticipated 'Mashemeji derby' between rivals AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia came to an immature end as hooliganism acts were witnessed in the 64th minute at Nyayo Stadium.
The match was called off after AFC Leopards fans caused trouble following referee's decision to award the home side a penalty after defender Jackson Saleh handled the ball inside the 18-yard box.
Prior to the match, all sets of fans had hopes that their respective teams will not disappoint, as bragging rights were on the line. Gor Mahia came into the match looking for the first win against their rivals since 2013, when Ugandan striker Dan Sserunkuma scored the solitary goal.
Their intentions were made clear as early as the second minute when Meddie Kagere thought he had scored his fourteenth goal of the season, only to see his effort correctly ruled out for offside. The visitors responded immediately with a counter attack, with Bernard Mang'oli forcing Boniface Oluoch into a fine save following his 25-yard screamer. But the resulting corner bore no fruits.
The incident woke K'ogalo with a series of attacks, notably crosses from the right and left wings respectively, but the resolute Ingwe defense stood to the occassion and protected Indeche well as they resorted to long range shots, notably Ivan Anguyo, who was facing his former side.
Zdravko Logarusic reacted in the 34th minute by bringing in Timonah Wanyonyi in place of ineffective Patrick Kagogo, but the substitution did little to Ingwe offensively, as Gor Mahia continued to attack, unfortunately no side could get a goal in the first half.
After the break, the Green Army looked set to get an opening goal with Michael Olunga heading in a cross, only for Lukas Indeche to deny the lanky striker. That followed with Collins 'Gattuso' Okoth's curled effort in the 55th minute which went over the bar.
AFC Leopards brought in Duncan Otieno and Khalid Jumaan in place of Fredrick Ndaaka and Lamine Diallo, but it was Gor Mahia, who got a good opportunity, as a cross was swung in from the left only for Saleh to handle and leave the center referee with no option but point to the penalty spot.
It was a decision which was not taken lightly by AFC Leopards fans as they protested violently for almost twenty minutes, living the officials with no option but call off the match.
Credits:Goal.com
photo credits:Jarunda
photo credits:Jarunda
