With 10 fixtures left in the 2025/26 season, AFC Leopards coach Fred Ambani is under mounting pressure. Despite one of the club’s best recent seasons, fans are calling for his dismissal. The scrutiny comes ahead of a crucial SportPesa Premier League match against the in-form Nairobi United. Last Saturday, Ambani faced angry fans at Nyayo Stadium following a 4-1 defeat to Mathare United, a former champion. He was confronted and nearly punished by supporters unhappy with the team’s performance. Club chairman Boniface Ambani later apologized publicly and took responsibility for the loss.
Despite the backlash, the Leopards sit second in the league with 43 points from 23 matches. Gor Mahia leads with 53 points from 24 matches. Injuries, however, are affecting key players, including Humphrey Katasi, Kayci Odhiambo, Emmanuel Lwangu, and Brian Nyongesa. Their absence could impact today’s crucial match. Internal disputes have also fueled tension. Former officials reportedly oppose the current administration. A club source told Nation Sport that jealousy over recent progress has led some to incite fans against Ambani. “We cannot judge the coach solely on the loss to Mathare. The team has performed well this season,” the source said. If Leopards fail to beat Nairobi United, the pressure on Fred could escalate. Many are watching to see if Boniface Ambani will make a coaching change. Midfielder Musa Oundo remains confident. “We have trained well and are ready to beat Nairobi United. We want to regain fans’ confidence,” he said.
Match Preview and Team Form
Nairobi United enters the match motivated. Assistant coach Boniface Omondi said his team aims to continue their strong run. They lost the first leg 2-0 to Leopards, citing fatigue after recent CAF matches. Key players Benson and Duncan Omala are fit and expected to lead the attack. Nairobi United beat bottom-placed Sofapaka 1-0 last weekend, with midfielder Kevin Osanya scoring the decisive goal. Osanya has now scored two league goals and aims to replicate that performance against Leopards.
AFC Leopards, chasing the league title, will be keen to recover from their recent defeat. The match at Nyayo Stadium is set to be intense, with both teams motivated by different stakes. Leopards need a win to maintain their second-place position and keep pressure on Gor Mahia. Finishing second would be significant for Leopards, who last reached that position in 2013, trailing Gor Mahia by 10 points. Today’s match is not just about three points; it is about morale, credibility, and maintaining momentum. Nairobi United, in their first Premier League season, currently sit ninth with 33 points and have three games in hand. A win would boost their confidence and improve their standing in the table. Both teams will rely on key performers and tactical discipline. The outcome of this clash could set the tone for the final 10 matches of the season. For Leopards, it is about proving resilience amid fan and political pressure. For Nairobi United, it is a chance to assert themselves against one of Kenya’s historic football giants.
