Ambani blames referee as AFC Leopards’ FKF PL chase ends in disappointment
By Luke Oluoch, May 24, 2026Fred Ambani has come out to criticise the standards of match officiating in the FKF Premier League following AFC Leopards’ defeat to APS Bomet on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
Ingwe suffered a 2-1 loss to the Bomet-based club, to all but end their long chase of ending a league title drought that has lasted since 1998.
Speaking after the loss, Ambani reiterated the call for fairness in match officiating, asserting that integrity must be maintained on the pitch, especially when coaches work so hard to prepare their teams.
Doomed without integrity
“I want to go on record saying that we are headed for doom if we cannot rectify and address the issues of officiating. We cannot have such league deciders being handed to such referees. First of all, where is his origin? It is nonsense; you cannot give him a game of this magnitude,” he lamented.
Central to his argument was a controversial decision that the gaffer said involved Hassan Beja. The winger was upended in clear sight of goal and denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity, according to the former international, while no action was taken against the opposing player.
“Beja was through on goal before the player handled him. There was no booking and no action taken. We cannot have officials approaching games with predetermined outcomes. It is not acceptable,” he stated.
Call to Federation
In conclusion, Ambani challenged the federation to get down to redressing the matter, asserting that it would be futile for teams to work around the clock preparing for games while unscrupulous match officials exert undue influence over games.
“We cannot promote our football while we have underhanded means of deciding games. We have to clean our game of this mess and instil fairness, and the federation must look into this,” he stated.
Leopards’ title hopes ended
The defeat slammed the brakes on Ingwe’s league dreams as Gor Mahia reclaimed the league crown, marking their unprecedented 22nd title after hitting an unassailable lead of 68 points.
Ranked just four points below Gor Mahia heading to the tie, Ingwe sought to continue their chase of dethroning the runaway leaders. Their task was well cut out against Sammy Pamzo Omolo’s team, which was riding on an unbeaten streak in the league recently.
After a goalless first half, hopes for a positive outcome were dashed after Philip Wasai’s quick double put the hosts to a comfortable cushion. The host never looked back.
Ingwe hit back in the final three minutes, which counted for a mere consolation.