Ambani apologises to AFC Leopards fans after heavy defeat to Mathare United
AFC Leopards chairman Boniface Ambani has issued an apology to supporters following the club’s disappointing 4–1 defeat to Mathare United at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
Ambani’s reaction comes after Saturday’s match sparked outrage among the team’s fanbase, who stormed the pitch in protest after the final whistle.
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In a message to fans on Sunday, March 15, 2026, Ambani acknowledged the painful result, which saw the team surrender a lead before conceding four goals within a short period, denting their title chase.
AFC Leopards had taken the lead in the 59th minute but were unable to maintain control of the game as Mathare United mounted a quick comeback to secure a dominant victory.
Message to fans
”First, I would like to thank our fans for turning up in numbers and supporting the boys to the last minute. It has been our goal this season to win the league. Secondly, on behalf of the team, I apologise for yesterday’s heavy loss,” Ambani said in a statement.
The former international also pointed to the challenges the squad has been facing due to injuries to several key players. He revealed that important members of the team, Humprey Katasi, Kayci Odhiambo, Emmanuel Lwangu and Brian Nyongesa, were unavailable for the match.
Despite acknowledging the injury setbacks, Ambani maintained that the team must still perform, noting that players brought into the squad are expected to rise to the occasion when given opportunities. He added that the team’s attack struggled to make an impact against Mathare United, which contributed to the disappointing outcome.
”I acknowledge the challenges posed by multiple injuries within the squad, noting that our key players Humprey Katasi, Kayci Odhiambo, Emmanuel Lwangu and Brian Nyongesa were unavailable. While injuries are not an excuse, the club signed players who are expected to step up when called upon. The team’s attack was very blunt in our match against Mathare United,” he added.
Looking ahead, Ambani assured supporters that the club’s leadership is already working on solutions to address the issues affecting the team. Among the priorities will be strengthening the squad to ensure greater depth and competitiveness moving forward.
He urged fans to continue standing behind the team during the difficult period, emphasising that the club needs its supporters most in challenging moments.
Continued support
”As the club chairman, I assure supporters that measures are being taken to address these issues, and I sincerely call upon our fans to continue offering their support as the team works to improve. We will need to strengthen our squad to have enough squad depth in future. As a fan, remember that the club needs you most in times like this. We focus on the next match,” Ambani said.
Mathare’s coach’s reaction
Speaking after the tie, Mathare United head coach John Kamau said AFC Leopards were lucky to concede only four goals. Kamau said Leopards should have lost by a bigger margin, but Mathare United failed to convert their created scoring opportunities.
”AFC Leopards are lucky, it was supposed to be 7-0 or 8-0, because we created a lot of scoring opportunities in the first half. At some point, we got frustrated because we did not convert those chances,” Kamau stated.
“I am happy with the team because we have learned from our own mistakes. Against Gor Mahia, we equalised and got excited, and we were punished. This time around, after equalising, we were very cautious with what we were doing,” he added.
