Ambani reveals touchline message to AFC Leopards players amid teargas drama in Shabana clash
AFC Leopards coach Fred Ambani has disclosed the message of calm and concentration he delivered to his players during a tumultuous FKF PL clash on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Nyayo National Stadium.
The title-chasing Ingwe ran out comfortable 5-1 winners over Shabana in the high-stakes league encounter, which was overshadowed by multiple incidents of tear gas as police intervened to control rowdy fans.
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Ambani revealed that he impressed upon the team the need to stay focused, even as the match remained delicately poised despite his side commanding a two-goal lead.
Stay calm
“We prepared the boys after tear gas was lobbed into the stands, causing a temporary delay in the game. We were leading by two goals, but I told them the match was far from over and urged them to see it out by scoring more goals,” he stated.
Ambani expressed his delight at his players’ response, as Leopards stepped up the intensity with substitute Samuel Ssenyonjo scoring a brace to help secure the rout.
“When we got back to action and scored again, it calmed nerves, and the game became much easier for us,” he stated, referring to his message as the Leopards extended their lead to 3-1.
Okidi on Shabana’s defeat
His nemesis, Peter Okidi attributed his team’s loss to vulnerabilities during vital moments of transition in the game.
“We gave too much space in our defensive line, and that is how they managed to catch us off guard. When we lost the ball in transition, we did not maintain a compact shape, leading to the goals. We need to know when to track back and defend our goal,” he stated.
Okidi, who endured a tough afternoon with his charges conceding five for the first time this season, further admitted that the heavy five-goal defeat came as a shocker for them.
“We did not expect to lose by such a huge margin, but we believe we will come back stronger,” he stated.
The defeat leaves Shabana trailing second-placed Leopards by three points, as the latter cut into Gor Mahia’s lead at the top of the standings to six points.
