Fred Ambani Attributes Frustrating Draw Against Kariobangi Sharks to ‘Appalling’ Officiating

AFC Leopards’ winless run stretched to three matches after a 1-1 draw against Kariobangi Sharks on Sunday, with head coach Fred Ambani heavily criticising the match officials for what he termed “appalling” decisions that disrupted his team’s rhythm.

Leopards entered the clash desperate to recover from a recent dip in form, having been held to a goalless draw by Murang’a Seal just a week after suffering  a surprise 2-0 defeat to Mara Sugar. But their afternoon got off to the worst possible start.

Sharks took the lead in the eighth minute through youngster Humphrey Aroko, who capitalised on hesitant defending to slot the ball past the Leopards goalkeeper. The early setback appeared to rattle Ingwe, who struggled to settle into the match.

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Leopards clawed their way back after the hour mark. A well-delivered free-kick caused chaos in the Sharks box, with youngster Kelly Madada rising highest to head the ball goalward. 

Though his effort was cleared off the line, Omune reacted fastest to tap in the rebound and level the contest.

The equaliser prompted both teams to dial back the intensity, seemingly satisfied with a point. Nevertheless, the draw marked AFC Leopards’ fifth in just nine league matches — the most by any team in the division — and leaves them third on the table with 14 points. 

They trail leaders Gor Mahia by five points, with K’Ogalo still holding a game in hand ahead of next weekend’s Mashemeji Derby.

After the match, Ambani did not hold back.

“The linesman on the right made appalling decisions,” he fumed on Azam TV. “Either he had a fixed mind or something, because he never wanted to be corrected. Our concentration was not good enough either. That must change.”

Ambani also admitted concern over his injury-hit squad, noting that Omune — despite scoring — was playing through discomfort.

“We need to work on our attack. It is not convincing at all. But Omune is very clinical. Even with a pulled muscle, we had to rely on his experience.”

The pressure now intensifies as Leopards prepare for a crucial derby against a red-hot Gor Mahia side.