AFC Leopards Coach Reveals Tactical Plan That Nullified Gor Mahia to Claim Mashemeji Derby Bragging Rights

AFC Leopards coach Fred Ambani has lifted the lid on the tactical setup that silenced Gor Mahia to win the Mashemeji Derby at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.

Leopards walked away with the bragging rights plus all three points thanks to Julius Masaba’s 25th minute goal and frustrated Gor Mahia, who struggled to even get a shot at Ingwe’s goal.

It was a vintage performance from Ambani’s team who were the better side against their more fancied rivals and the tactician says he selected his squad based on two key things that would be decisive in the high stakes game.

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“I looked at the team and realised that the game needed experience and that is why I brought in the likes of Masaba, [James] Kinyanjui and I said to myself, because I have never lost to Gor Mahia, I have to get players who will help us not to concede,” Ambani told Azam TV after the game.

“In the second half, I knew they would all come higher up the pitch so we had to defend better and that is why I took off the likes of Brian Ojok and brought in Emmanuel Lwangu. He [Lwangu] is a stopper but his tenacity and energy were going to help us defend better,” Ambani added regarding his second half substitutions that further nullified Gor Mahia’s threat.

Following the win, Leopards moved to sixth place on 17 points, two behind Gor Mahia, and three a drift of leader Kenya Police, which gives Ambani hope that that the FKF Premier League title is within reach.

Ingwe have endured a painful and long title drought that dates back to 1998, when they won their last league crown, a time when Ambani was part of the team, and he feels he can be the man to end that wait.

“We are going for the league title. If you look at how we played today, we played like a team chasing the title,” said Ambani. “If you want to win the league, you must beat those ahead of you. We are coming for everyone who is above us. This is the first one and we need to do it to everyone.”

To win the title, Leopards will have to be consistent, something they have not shown this season, having already drawn five of their 11 league matches.