Fred Ambani on How He Masterminded AFC Leopards Into Dashing Gor Mahia’s Title Aspirations in Homabay

Fred Ambani has explained how he was able to mastermind a 1-1 draw against Gor Mahia in Homabay to effectively end K'Ogalo's title hopes.

AFC Leopards coach Fred Ambani has explained how he was able to mastermind his charges to avoid defeat against Gor Mahia in front of a ‘hostile’ Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay in what was the 97th Mashemeji Derby encounter on Monday.

The result dealt a heavy blow to K’Ogalo’s hopes of retaining their crown, leaving them six points behind league leaders Kenya Police with just two matches left.

Austin Odhiambo opened the scoring early for Gor Mahia, only for Brian Wanyama to restore parity for AFC Leopards, extending Gor’s winless streak to three matches.

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Speaking after the match, Ambani opined that conceding the early goal to Gor Mahia may have been down to the players’ panicking due to the intimidating atmosphere that had been created by K’Ogalo’s fans at the Stadium.

According to Ambani, the players gave Gor Mahia way too much respect, folding back way too often.

Ambani: My Players Panicked in the First Half

“I think my players panicked in the first half, but at half time, I told them not to worry about conceding, but rather stick to our principles by retaining possession,” Said Ambani after the match.

“Our strength is retaining the possession. I am not used to having my teams on the back foot. I told them to calm down in possession and attack more. We needed to stop sitting back and attack.”

The second-half turnaround saw Leopards attack more aggressively, particularly down the flanks, and match Gor Mahia’s midfield intensity.

“In the first half, Gor Mahia were very aggressive from the midfield. This is something we spoke about at the break and in the end, it worked for us after we opted to be just as tough to match their strengths,” Ambani explained.

Ambani Hails AFC Leopards for Rescuing Point Against Gor to Keep His Unbeaten Derby Record Intact

Meanwhile, the draw means Ambani has yet to lose a game to Gor Mahia, either as a head coach or even during his days as a player.

There is only one department he gives full credit for keeping that record intact: the players.

“I am grateful for the players. They have spared my blushes because the questions would have been endless. I am proud my record still remains intact.”

While Gor Mahia are still mathematically in the title race, they now trail league leaders Kenya Police by six points with only two games to go. They must win both and hope Police lose theirs to stand a chance, relying on their superior goal difference to sneak through.

As for AFC Leopards, the point leaves them well-placed to finish the season in sixth, with 47 points from 32 matches.