Ambani reveals AFC Leopards' gameplan that annihilated Shabana
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Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 02.03.26. | 20:17
A brace from Ugandan import Samuel Ssenyonjo, as well as a goal apiece from Samuel Semo, Tyson Otieno and Kayci Odhiambo, were enough to grant the Kenyan giants maximum points in the high-octane clash
After handing Shabana FC their heaviest defeat since returning to the FKF Premier League back in 2023 after 17 years in the cold, AFC Leopards head coach Fred Ambani has disclosed the tactical approach that tore Tore Bobe apart.
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Ingwe and Shabana faced off in an FKF Premier League encounter played on Sunday, 1 March at the Nyayo National Stadium, with the former securing an emphatic 5-1 win.
A brace from Ugandan import Samuel Ssenyonjo, as well as a goal apiece from Samuel Semo, Tyson Otieno and Kayci Odhiambo, were enough to grant the Kenyan giants maximum points in the high-octane clash.
Speaking after the match, Ambani explained AFC Leopards' tactical brilliance in the high-stakes match.
“The transition and counterattack are something that we had prepared for. We knew we would punish them with that due to the spaces that they leave behind when their full-backs overlap,” said Ambani.
When Shabana full backs James Mazembe and Lawrence Kibet went on the overlap, Leopards looked to explore the spaces left at the back by deploying James Kinyanjui and Ronald Sichenje to attack them, sometimes with overloads from Tyson Otieno or Kelly Madada, leaving Shabana exposed.
"Nyayo ni ya AFC Leopards, Kasarani ni ya Gor, kila mtu astick kwa viwanja zao"
— Mozzart Sport Kenya (@MozzartSportKe) March 2, 2026
AFC Leopards head coach Fred Ambani explains why Ingwe consistently raise their level at Nyayo, true home ground advantage.
Do you agree that Nyayo gives Ingwe an extra edge? 🏟️#footballke #ingwe… pic.twitter.com/qgmatAqXNG
That was also made possible by captain Victor Omune, who held play brilliantly as he brought his teammates into play on his return to the starting 11 at the expense of Ssenyonjo, whose absence in the starting lineup was equally tactical.
“He had not scored in the last two games, and as a foreigner, that brought a lot of pressure on his shoulders, and I shared with him that he will start from the bench but has to make an impact when he comes on,” stated Ambani.
Despite the tactical brilliance, the former Zoo FC tactician admitted that the scoreline was unexpected.
“I did not expect five goals, but I expected a win with a big margin owing to the preparations that we had put in place not just ahead of this game but in the recent past, and I am glad that the boys managed to make the fans happy,” he added.
The AFC Leopards vs Shabana game at Nyayo was briefly halted, before it continued. Ingwe lead Shabana 3-1 pic.twitter.com/T3qmg0bpFe
— Mozzart Sport Kenya (@MozzartSportKe) March 1, 2026
Unfortunate scenes of hooliganism leading to the temporary halting of the match for over 10 minutes did not deter Leopards riot on the day either.
“We prepared them after the incident and told them that the game was not over, and we needed to pump in the goals, and I am glad that was possible.”