Ambani underscores role of defensive discipline as AFC Leopards go 4 games without conceding
By Luke Oluoch, April 6, 2026Fred Ambani has explained the secret behind his team’s mean defensive record in recent games after Ingwe marked a fourth game without conceding a goal on Sunday, April 5, 2026, winning 2-0 over Muranga Seal at the Nyayo National Stadium.
Speaking after the win that secured the fourth shut-out on the bounce, the gaffer borrowed from the famous football adage of “attacks wins you games, and defence wins you titles,” explaining the importance as maintaining a tight defensive shape as critical to winning games
Clean sheets
“I normally tell my players that clean sheets are integral to winning games. When you want to win, you have to start by not conceding, since conceding makes life difficult.
We have to try to get out to ensure we make it from the defense line and then gain the confidence there to go and get a goal,” he stated.
With the result further consolidating AFC Leopards’ push for the exclusive league title, the coach implored his charges not to relent in their pursuit of Gor Mahia and the ultimate goal of claiming the elusive league title.
“My message to my team is let us keep pushing,” he stated. “It is a great win for us, winning against a team of Seal’s caliber,” he added.
Katasi’s absence
Despite losing custodian Humphrey Katasi to injury, Ingwe has successfully kept their clean slate running with understudy James Ssetuba filling in the void of the former Makadara Junior League and Nzoia shot-stopper.
Ssetuba came up clutch against Seals, thwarting league top scorer Joe Waithira from the penalty spot to safeguard Leopards’ record.
The solid streak, coupled with a fine winning run, has elicited talk of the club reclaiming the elusive title, which they last won in 1998.
Seize the moment
Ingwe currently trials leaders. Gor Mahia, by a couple of points after a period of sustained victories, saw the club cut into the ten-point cushion with fewer than seven games to conclude the season.
Ambani’s team seized their moment on Sunday to continue their winning run just after Gor Mahia slipped in the title race following a goalless draw against Kariobangi Sharks on Saturday, April 1, at Kasarani Stadium.