For ninety minutes on Sunday, the Green Army watched in agony as their arch-rivals seized the day, but the sting of defeat has been softened by a different kind of victory. As the dust settles on the 98th Mashemeji Derby, it turns out the real winner might just be the club’s bank account.

Gor Mahia confirmed on Monday that they generated a staggering KES 7,011,500 in ticket sales from the weekend clash at Nyayo National Stadium. The figure, released by club treasurer Gerphas Okuku, underscores the fixture's status as the undisputed economic engine of Kenyan club football, even when the result on the pitch leaves a sour taste.

The Numbers Game

The revenue breakdown reveals a sold-out spectacle that defied the current economic squeeze. With regular tickets retailing at KES 300, VIP passes at KES 1,000, and the exclusive VVIP seats going for KES 5,000, the ‘K’Ogalo’ faithful turned up in droves. This financial windfall represents the highest single-match collection for any club in the SportPesa Premier League this season.

“We sincerely thank our fans for the outstanding turnout and unwavering support,” Okuku noted in a statement, emphasizing that the digital ticketing system helped plug revenue leakages that have historically plagued the derby. For a club that has frequently battled salary delays and logistical hurdles, this injection of cash is not just a statistic—it is a lifeline.

Ingwe’s Day in the Sun

While the accountants celebrated, the football belonged to AFC Leopards. ‘Ingwe’ finally snapped a frustrating winless streak against their nemesis, courtesy of a 25th-minute strike by Julius Masaba. The goal, a clinical finish that sent the blue half of the stadium into delirium, handed coach Fred Ambani a priceless victory and ended Gor Mahia’s recent dominance in the fixture.

The defeat adds pressure on Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor, coming off the back of a heavy 4-1 loss to APS Bomet. Yet, analysts argue that the massive attendance proves the brand remains resilient regardless of temporary dips in form.

A Financial Lifeline

To put this KES 7 million into perspective, the amount covers the monthly wage bill for a significant portion of the squad—a critical boost as the team navigates the mid-season grind. In a league where sponsorship monies are often disbursed in tranches, gate receipts from the Mashemeji Derby remain the most reliable instant cash injection for the hosting team.

The challenge now shifts to the pitch. Money in the bank is vital, but for the Green Army, currency is measured in trophies. As the team regroups to face Kakamega Homeboyz next, the management will hope the financial stability translates into a return to winning ways.