Gor Mahia's hopes of retaining their league title were dealt a severe blow after they were held to a disappointing draw by their archrivals, AFC Leopards.

The latest edition of the Mashemeji derby was held on Monday afternoon at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay.

The game was moved to Homa Bay due to the unavailability of Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums. Gor Mahia went into the game knowing nothing less than a win would keep them in the title race, with Kenya Police moving closer to their maiden title.

Austine Odhiambo's first-half strike was cancelled by Brian Wanyama in the second half as both sides were forced to settle for a point for the second time this season.

AFC Leopards almost scored in the first minute after Robert Bebeto eased past Alphonce Omija before setting up Victor Otieno, but his shot was blocked on the line by a brave Geoffrey Ochieng.

Odhiambo attempted to dance around the Ingwe defence, but his efforts were thwarted with goalkeeper Levis Opiyo making a save in the eighth minute.

Seven minutes later, Benson Omalla had a golden chance to open the scoring, but he fluffed his lines. His blushes were, however, spared by the linesman's flag.

Gor Mahia's captain Philemon Otieno was the first player to be booked by renowned referee Peter Kamaku after he dangerously went in with a high boot on Bebeto.

Odhiambo then drew first blood after Alpha Onyango threaded a beautiful ball to him. He skipped past one defender before cutting inside and unleashed a grasscutter from way out, which left Opiyo in the Ingwe goal flat-footed. What looked like a harmless strike nestled into the bottom corner to give Gor Mahia the lead, sending the Green Army faithful into a frenzy.

Kayci Odhiambo was the next player booked after the fullback fouled Lawrence Juma near the dugout area in the 35th minute as Gor Mahia held on to the lead heading into the break.

Fred Ambani's charges came back a rejuvenated side, and it didn't take long before they were back level. A free-kick was swung in from the left, which Gor Mahia failed to clear the first time. The ball fell kindly to Brian Wanyama near the edge of the area, whose shot flew past Gad Mathews in the K'Ogalo goal to restore parity.

Gor Mahia's interim coach Zedekiah 'Zico' Otieno made some immediate changes, taking off the skipper Otieno for Paul Ochuoga. Ambani made his first change in the 60th minute, bringing on Hassan Beja for Bebeto, who was a constant menace.

Further changes came for the defending champions with Sammy Onyango and Lawrence Juma paving the way for Bryson Wangai and Ghanaian import Enock Morrison. Leopards took off their goalscorer, Brian Wanyama, for Boniface Munyendo, while Kelly Madada was brought in place of Mousa Oundo.

Mathews almost gifted Kaycie Odhiambo an opening, but the Leopards' star skied his shot, much to the relief of the fans in the stadium.

Referee Kamaku declined to give Gor Mahia a penalty after Ochuoga went down in the area. Ingwe launched a counterattack from that chance, but Koloti failed to get the ball past Mathews.

The result leaves Gor Mahia on 55 points, six points adrift of Kenya Police with only two games left to play.

In a related report, two Kenyan referees took charge of the 2025 CAF Champions League final.

Gilbert Cheruyiot and Stephen Yiembe ran the line during Pyramids' game against Mamelodi Sundowns.

The two are decorated officials who have taken charge of top tournaments.

Source: TUKO.co.ke