Coach Ambani reveals dressing room secret fueling AFC Leopards’ title charge
By Luke Oluoch, May 16, 2026AFC Leopards head coach Fred Ambani has spoken out on the internal message fuelling his squad as the gruelling FKF Premier League title race against arch-rivals Gor Mahia reaches its climax.
Speaking after guiding Ingwe to a crucial Ingo derby victory over Kakamega Homeboyz on Saturday, May 16, 2026, Ambani revealed that his constant reminder to the squad has been to simply keep pushing. He praised his players for rising to the occasion, keeping themselves firmly in contention with fewer than three games left to decide the winner of one of the tightest league races in recent history.
Rare victory
The gaffer also celebrated a rare away victory over Homeboyz, a first and rare feat, having failed to secure a win for three consecutive years against their opponents in the division.
“We knew it would be tough because Homeboyz is a very good team,” Ambani stated. “The message to the players has consistently been to push hard. They have taken that encouragement well and have been giving their absolute all in these matches.”
Homestretch
With the season concluding shortly, Leopards face a demanding final stretch against APS Bomet and Bidco United in their penultimate and final fixtures. Ambani emphasised that the technical bench is working hard to keep the players focused and grounded.
“They will be very tough games, but we are talking to the players to ensure they continue the fight. Now, we shift our focus to recovery and start our preparations for the next assignments in a week’s time. We just hope everything goes according to plan,” he added.
Against Homeboyz, Samuel Semo and Emmanuel Lwangu scored the all-important goals as Homeboyz’s consolation came through Boniface Nyabuto deep in stoppage time.
The crucial win puts Ingwe hot on the heels of league leaders Gor Mahia, cutting the gap to just a single point. Gor Mahia, who face Murang’a Seal on Sunday, May 17, 2026, currently lead the standings with 65 points from 31 games, while Leopards lurk behind in second place with 64 points after 32 games.
The tie could as well be decided on the penultimate fixture if Gor Mahia wins against Seal and repeats the same feat in their next fixture before the final clash.