Kenyan league: Fred Ambani blames AFC Leopards’ blunt attack for title heartbreak

AFC Leopards’ failure to turn dominance into goals proved decisive in the SportPesa Premier League title race, with head coach Fred Ambani admitting bluntly that poor finishing cost Ingwe a genuine chance of ending their long wait for league glory.

Leopards wrapped up the 2025/26 campaign in second place on 64 points, six behind champions Gor Mahia, after spending much of the season firmly in contention. While Ingwe remained one of the league’s most competitive sides, Ambani believes the difference between his team and the eventual champions was clear.

“I think when we reflect on the season, the biggest gap between us and the champions was our inability to finish chances,” Ambani said.

The former Leopards striker, who was part of the club’s last title-winning side, pointed to several matches where strong performances failed to translate into victories because of wasteful finishing in front of goal.

Finishing woes prove costly

Leopards scored 44 goals during the campaign, but a lack of ruthlessness in key moments repeatedly denied them valuable points. Ambani argued that the team’s overall structure remained competitive throughout the season, yet their shortcomings in the final third prevented them from capitalising on periods of control.

“There were games where we did everything right except putting the ball in the net,” Ambani added.

The coach believes the squad already possesses a solid foundation capable of challenging for honours, but insists greater efficiency in attack is now essential if the club is to take the final step from contenders to champions.

“The foundation of the team is solid, but we were not sharp enough in the final third,” Ambani observed.

Leopards’ attacking struggles were reflected in their goalscoring chart. Leading scorer Samuel Ssenyonjo managed seven league goals before injury interrupted his progress, while Kelly Madada and Victor Omune each contributed four. The figures highlighted a lack of consistent firepower across the squad.

“We cannot continue depending on isolated contributions from a few players,” Ambani noted.

Squad overhaul underway

Determined to address those weaknesses, Leopards have already begun reshaping their squad ahead of the 2026/27 season. Ambani revealed that a technical review conducted after the campaign prompted a broader rebuilding exercise designed to improve competitiveness across the team.

“We have already started reshaping the squad because we need a different level of competitiveness,” he explained.

Several experienced players have already departed as part of what the club has described as a mini-surgery aimed at creating room for fresh additions. Ambani acknowledged that difficult decisions were unavoidable as the club seeks to strengthen key areas.

The primary focus of recruitment will be the attacking department, with Leopards expected to target forwards capable of converting chances more consistently.

“That attacking department must be upgraded if we are serious about winning titles,” Ambani stated.

Building for the future

Alongside potential signings, Ambani is also looking within. Young players were handed opportunities during the final match of the season as part of a long-term assessment process.

“It was important to test young players and see who is ready for the demands of top-level football,” Ambani explained.

Despite missing out on the title, the coach remains convinced the gap to the summit is not significant. With defensive stability and midfield creativity already in place, he believes improved finishing could dramatically alter Leopards’ fortunes.

“We are not far from competing at the highest level; what remains is finishing efficiency,” Ambani noted.

As Ingwe prepare for a new campaign, Ambani’s message is simple: sharper finishing could be the difference between another near miss and a return to the top of Kenyan football.

“If we improve our finishing, we change the entire story of our season.”