AFC Leopards are back at the summit of the SportPesa League, level on points with their storied rivals Gor Mahia, but head coach Fred Ambani knows the numbers don’t tell the full story.
For all their defensive discipline and tactical smarts, Ingwe are still haunted by one glaring weakness—their finishing.
Sunday’s narrow 1–0 win over Sofapaka at the Moi Stadium, Kasarani, was another reminder. Leopards created several promising openings in the first half, yet the ball stubbornly refused to hit the back of the net.
“We created chances but failed to finish them,” Ambani said. “We had opportunities to put the game away early. Being more clinical in attack is something we must continue to improve.”
The statistics underline the problem. Leopards have scored 23 goals in 18 matches, six fewer than Gor Mahia, whose balanced attack and sturdy defence have enabled them maintain a slim edge in goal difference.
Samuel Ssenyonjo, the Ugandan forward leading the Ingwe line-up, has four goals to his name, including a hat trick against Tusker, the team’s biggest win of the season.
“Finishing has been a concern for some time,” Ambani admitted. “If we don’t take our chances, we risk losing ground, especially when opponents are clinical themselves.”
Yet, despite these offensive hiccups, Leopards have been formidable at the back. Conceding just 11 goals—fewer than Gor Mahia—Ingwe’s defensive organisation has allowed them to grind out results.
Late-game heroics, particularly goals in the final 15 minutes, have turned draws into wins and kept them within striking distance of the summit.
“Sometimes players overcomplicate in the final third,” Ambani said. “They try to dribble into the box instead of shooting from distance. If we stay calm and capitalise on the chances we create, we can score more and improve the team overall.”
Ambani was also keen to highlight the mental side of the game. “Football is as much about focus as skill,” he said.
“A moment’s lapse can undo an entire match. Our job is to keep the players aware and composed.”
On squad balance, Ambani added, “We have experience and youth, which helps manage pressure. The players understand that every game matters. One lapse can change the outcome entirely.”
He also spoke about preparation: “Our training is designed to simulate game pressure. We work on finishing, positioning, and decision-making. The stats may look fine, but the details win matches.”
Ambani praised adaptability as a key ingredient in their campaign. “We’ve shown we can change formations mid-game and respond to threats. That flexibility has turned tight contests in our favour.”
He noted, “The players are aware of the rivalry with Gor Mahia. That fire pushes them to work harder every day, but we must channel it constructively.”
Finally, on the broader challenge of maintaining the title push, Ambani said, “We can’t rely on defence alone. We have to sharpen our attack consistently. The difference between champions and contenders often comes down to those fine margins in front of goal.”
For Gor Mahia, the story is different but equally compelling. Eleven wins, three draws, and three defeats have produced a team that combines attack and defence with near-perfect equilibrium. With 27 goals scored and just 12 conceded, K’Ogalo have used that margin to maintain a psychological edge over their city rivals.
For Ambani and Leopards, the task is clear: sharpen the knife in front of the goal without dulling the defensive armour. Do that, and they remain very much in the hunt for a title that has eluded them for too long.
by TONY MBALLA
