Timid Leopards attack has coach Ambani worried as Sofapaka come calling

AFC Leopards coach Fred Ambani is unhappy with his strike force as they former multiple Kenyan champions host improving Sofapaka in a Football Kenya Federation Premier League match at Dandora Stadium in Nairobi on Wednesday.

Currently, Leopards have only three strikers after Rwandan forward Arthur Gitego was released by the club in the current transfer window. 

Sydney Lokale, Maxwell Otieno and Brian Yakhama are the forwards available to Ambani. Maxwell has only two goals this season, Lokale has struck the back of the net four times while Yakhama has one. 

The lack of goals has irked Ambani who says it will also be difficult to get a good striker this transfer window.

“We have to pull up our socks because if our top scorer in the team has four goals while the leading goal scorer has 15 goals, that’s a cause for concern. These are the players I have and it is a must that I help them rediscover their form,” said Ambani.

“The game against Sofapaka will be a tough one but I’m optimistic that we shall bag maximum points and keep up with the top teams in the table. What I’m keen on is improving the striking force,” he added.

Leopards have signed 28-years-old Ugandan custodian James Ssetuba from Kakamega Homeboyz on a two-year contract. He will, however, face stiff competition from Levis Opiyo, who is the first choice custodian at Leopards.

Ingwe are fourth on the log with 33 points after 20 matches, eight behind league leaders Kenya Police who have played a game more. Sofapaka on the other hand have garnered 28 points from 21 games.

Interestingly, the last three matches between the two sides have ended in a 1-1 draws.

The last time Leopards beat Sofapaka was December 12, 2020, a comfortable 3-0 . Sofapaka last beat AFC Leopards on June 21 2023.

Defending champions Gor Mahia have a date with Bidco United Thursday at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos as new K’Ogalo coach Sinisa Mihic looks for his second win since his appointment two weeks ago.

Mihic oversaw a 2-1 win over Mathare United and a barren draw against Tusker in the two matches he has been in charge. Bidco United beat Gor Mahia 1-0 in the first leg on December 8, a game that was marred by acts of hooliganism.

A win for K’Ogalo will see them keep pressure on leaders Police and second placed Tusker. Police play Mathare United also Thursday.

Tusker's clash with Shabana, originally scheduled for Thursday, has been postponed. 

FKF-PL FIXTURES

Wednesday: Ulinzi Stars v Kariobangi Sharks (Kenyatta, 4pm), Posta Rangers v Mara Sugar (Kenyatta,1pm), AFC Leopards v Sofapaka (Dandora,4pm), Kakamega Homeboyz v Murangá Seal (Mumias Complex, 3pm), KCB v Bandari (Sportpesa Arena, Murangá,3pm)

Thursday: Mathare United v Kenya Police (Dandora, 3pm), Bidco United v Gor Mahia (Kenyatta,  4pm)
Friday: Talanta v Nairobi City Stars (Dandora, 4pm)