Pressure on coach Fred Ambani as AFC leopards face Nairobi United
AFC Leopards players celebrate after the beat Tusker FC 4-0 in an FKF Premier League match at Nyayo National Stadium on January 11, 2026.
With 10 fixtures to go until the end of the 2025/26 season, the pressure on AFC Leopards coach Fred Ambani is mounting.
Despite enjoying one of their best seasons in recent times, fans are calling for the dismissal of the youthful coach, even as a crucial SportPesa Premier League match against the in-form Nairobi United is set for today.
The two teams will meet at the Nyayo Stadium, where Ambani was confronted and nearly punished by angry fans last Saturday following their 4-1 defeat to former champions Mathare United.
This loss forced club chairman Boniface Ambani to apologise to Ingwe fans and take responsibility. The Leopards are arguably having their best season yet, sitting second in the league table with 43 points from 23 matches.
Gor Mahia lead the standings with 53 points from 24 matches, putting pressure on the 13-time champions to beat Nairobi United today.
The team is currently plagued by injuries, with key players Humphrey Katasi, Kayci Odhiambo, Emmanuel Lwangu and Brian Nyongesa most likely missing today’s clash.
Ingwe have not finished second in the league since 2013, when they ended their campaign 10 points behind Gor Mahia.
Sources said internal disputes facing the team have taken a political turn, pitting former officials against current ones.
AFC Leopards players celebrate after thrashing Shabana FC 5-1 in a FKF Premier League match at Nyayo National Stadium on March 1, 2026.
“Some of those former officials are not happy and are jealous of the progress the current office has made. They are inciting fans to push the coach out, even though we have been performing well and cannot be judged solely on our loss to Mathare,” a club source told Nation Sport.
If the Leopards fail to beat Nairobi United, the pressure on Fred could become overwhelming, with many waiting to see if his brother Boniface, will fire him.
AFC Leopards players celebrate a goal against Mathare United in a Kenyan Premier League match at Nyayo National Stadium on November 2, 2025.
“We just have to win to regain the confidence of our fans after losing to Mathare United. Everyone is ready to put last weekend’s events behind them. We have trained well and are ready to beat Nairobi United,” Leopards midfielder Musa Oundo told Nation Sports.
Nairobi United assistant coach Boniface Omondi said his players are aiming for a win. They lost the first leg 2–0 to Ingwe, attributing it to fatigue.
“At that time, we had just played in CAF matches. Even then, this game will be tough.
The Leopards will be tougher and stronger because they are chasing the league title and will be keen to win after losing to Mathare,” said Omondi.
He confirmed that Benson and Duncan Omala are fit to play and will lead the team’s attack.
Naibois beat bottom-placed Sofapaka 1-0 last weekend, courtesy of a goal from midfielder Kevin Osanya, who says he is ready to replicate that performance against Leopards.
“We are expecting a good result and to continue our winning streak. Our fans should come in large numbers to support us,” said Osanya, who has scored two league goals.
Nairobi, who are in their first season in the Premier League, are currently ninth with 33 points and three games in hand.
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