AFC Leopards’ Coach Fred Ambani Stays Resolute Despite Heavy Loss

After last winning the top-flight title 29 years ago, AFC Leopards had the chance to surpass their rivals Gor Mahia and take the lead in the 18-team league standings.

With only two points separating them from the Kenyan record champions, a victory would have propelled them ahead by a single point with six matches left in the season.

However, under the brilliant sunny skies of Nairobi, it was Police who took charge early on. Yves Junior Koutiama scored with precision in the sixth minute, giving the law enforcement team an early edge.

With their confidence boosted from the early goal, Police, the defending champions, applied constant pressure. Their dedication was rewarded again in the 31st minute when Erick Zakayo elegantly finished a brilliant assist from Daniel Sakari, doubling their lead and putting AFC Leopards firmly on the defensive.

As the first half neared its conclusion, Police struck once more. In the 45th minute, Charles Ouma netted to extend the lead to 3-0, capping a commanding first-half performance that left AFC Leopards in disarray.

The second half saw Police FC introduce tactical changes, with a triple substitution in the 71st minute bringing on Brian Chonjo, Clinton Kinanga, and Awesu Ali in place of Alvin Mang’eni, Yves Koutiama, and Erick Zakayo.

Though AFC Leopards acknowledged this defeat as a considerable blow to their title aspirations, they remained optimistic that the competition was far from over.

‘AFC Still in the Title Race’

“This was a minor setback, and I’ve encouraged my players to move on quickly and focus on performing well in our next match,”

“I can’t say I’m pleased with the loss, but it provides us a chance to rectify our mistakes and prepare for the derby.”

Commenting on the struggles of the first half, Ambani stated: “Defensive issues were evident, as they often are in football. The players have delivered points for us in the past, so we support them, and I trust they will continue to do so.”

Following this defeat, AFC Leopards will face off against their longtime rivals Gor Mahia in the Mashemeji derby on Sunday, April 26. Their first derby clash this season saw AFC Leopards triumph with a narrow 1-0 victory.

When asked about the derby, Ambani said: “Our primary focus is now on how to secure a win in the derby. The players must understand that not everything is lost; another opportunity awaits, and we remain in contention.”

Regarding the absence of key player James Kinyanjui, the former Harambee Stars striker commented: “Relying on just one player is risky; it’s unfortunate, but we can’t be certain if we would have fared differently with him on the pitch. We’ll keep working hard and see what unfolds.”

Muyoti Regrets AFC Defeat

Conversely, Police coach Nicholas Muyoti, who has a history with AFC Leopards as both a player and coach, expressed his regret for the heavy defeat, wishing the best of luck to AFC Leopards in their upcoming derby.

“AFC Leopards holds a special place in my heart; I played and coached there, so it pains me to have defeated a team vying for the title,” said Muyoti.

“This is a significant setback for them, yet it’s not the end. I hope they can regroup and seek a victory in the derby.”

Muyoti noted: “Our success today stemmed from my team executing our tactical plan effectively and adhering to the game plan. We performed admirably, securing an impressive number of goals and defending solidly, which I’m pleased about.”

This defeat leaves AFC Leopards in second place with 55 points from 16 wins and seven defeats, while Gor Mahia remains at the top with 57 points gained from 17 wins, six draws, and four defeats.