Brace-hero Ssenyonjo challenges AFC Leopards teammates to keep fighting as title race heats up
By Luke Oluoch, March 1, 2026AFC Leopards brace hero Samuel Ssenyonjo urged his teammates not to ease off after their victory over Shabana on Sunday, March 1, 2026, as the league title race intensifies.
Speaking after his brace sealed a clinical display in the win at Nyayo National Stadium, the attacker expressed relief at ending his goal drought.
Sorry for the miss
“I lacked concentration and missed a chance I should have scored. I’m relieved I got another to help the team,” the Ugandan international said.
The striker also revealed his pre-match conversation with coach Fred Ambani, who informed him he would start on the bench.
“The coach informed me that he wanted me to start from the bench, and I was okay with it. This is a big win, but it’s not the end; we have to continue fighting and push to the finish,” he added.
During the clash, Ssenjonyo capitalised on a rare defensive lapse to restore Ingwe’s two-goal advantage in the 67th minute.
Turning point
The goal proved to be the match’s turning point as Ingwe added two other goals in the 5-1 rout to inflict a first defeat on Shabana after a run of seven games without a loss.
Coach Fred Ambani explained his decision to bench Ssenyonjo initially.
“I wanted to relieve the pressure on his shoulders. He’s been playing well but not scoring lately, so starting him from the bench worked; he came in relaxed and scored for us,” Ambani stated.
“There are no secrets to preparations. We just have to focus on our next game, as we intend to continue doing the right things and see how it goes,” he opined.
With the win, Leopards managed to cut Gor Mahia’s nine-point lead to six, maintaining the tight proceedings atop the standings with 13 games to wrap up the league season.
The loss, on the other hand, leaves Shabana on 40 points, three below second-placed Leopards.