AFC Leopards manager Fred Ambani stays resolute after heavy loss
Last securing the elite division crown 29 years previously, AFC Leopards faced a chance to surpass competitors Gor Mahia and seize the leading position in the 18-team standings.
Ingwe trailed the Kenyan title holders by two points, and a win would have positioned them one point clear with six fixtures left to wrap up the campaign.
Yet, beneath clear blue skies in Nairobi, Police took charge right from the start. In the sixth minute, Yves Junior Koutiama slotted home accurately to give the security side an initial advantage.
Emboldened by the first goal, Police, the current title defenders, kept up constant attacks. Their persistence bore fruit once more in the 31st minute as Erick Zakayo neatly converted a fine pass from Daniel Sakari, extending the lead to two and leaving AFC Leopards reeling.
Nearing the end of the opening period, Police landed another strike. In the 45th minute, Charles Ouma netted to extend the scoreline to 3-0, completing a commanding half that saw AFC Leopards search for solutions.
The latter half brought strategic shifts from Police FC, featuring a triple change at the 71st minute that brought on Brian Chonjo, Clinton Kinanga and Awesu Ali for Alvin Mang’eni, Yves Koutiama and Erick Zakayo.
AFC Leopards admitted the loss represented a significant setback in their title pursuit, yet insisted the contest remained open.
‘AFC Leopards yet to exit title contention’
“Stumbles and drops do not signal the journey's close,” an unyielding Ambani declared to Flashscore post-match. “We remain contenders for the championship.
“It was just a minor hiccup, and I urged my squad to shake it off swiftly and focus on the upcoming key encounter.
“Defeat brings no joy, but it allows us to address certain errors and prepare for the big clash.”
Explaining the first-half troubles, Ambani noted: “Our backline faltered, though such moments occur in matches. The players have earned us victories before, so we support them, and I trust they will continue contributing points.”
After this reverse, AFC Leopards face rivals Gor Mahia next in the Mashemeji derby on Sunday, April 26. The season's initial meeting went to AFC Leopards via a narrow 1-0 success.
Regarding the upcoming derby, Ambani stated: “Our priority is now figuring out victory in the derby. The team needs to realise not everything is gone, another chance awaits, and we stay in the hunt.”
On the impact of missing star James Kinyanjui, the ex-Kenya international Harambee Stars forward remarked: “Relying on a single individual is unwise, it was misfortune, we cannot say if defeat would have been avoided with him present, so we push forward and assess developments.”
Muyoti expresses regret over AFC Leopards loss
For his side, Police manager Nicholas Muyoti, a former AFC Leopards player and coach, apologised for the costly defeat and extended good wishes for their derby performance.
“AFC Leopards was once my team, I featured for them and eventually managed them, and truthfully, it pains me as we have overcome a side vying for glory,” Muyoti explained.
“This represents a major hurdle for them, but the fight persists. I wish them recovery and success in the derby.”
Muyoti continued: “Our win stemmed from sharp tactics and adherence to the plan. We excelled in attack with multiple strikes and held firm at the rear, which pleases me greatly.”
The result dropped AFC Leopards to second place on 55 points from 16 triumphs and seven losses, while Gor Mahia held first with 57 points from 17 victories, six stalemates, and four defeats.