- AFC Leopards head coach Fred Ambani reveal the bold tactical shift that inspired his side’s dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over APS Bomet.
- Substitute Philip Wasai had given APS Bomet a thought-to-be winner before Christopher Koloti equalized, and Ronald Sichenje sealed the victory for Ingwe.
AFC Leopards head coach Fred Ambani has revealed the tactical gamble that saw them stage an epic comeback to beat APS Bomet 2-1 in stoppage time on Sunday at Nyayo Stadium.
The title hopefuls were in danger of dropping points in this Round 17 SportPesa League encounter when Philip Wasai climbed off the bench to give the visitors the lead in the 83rd minute.
However, it was not over for Ambani’s side, who orchestrated one of the season’s most sensational fightbacks to claim victory and climb to the top of the SportPesa League table with 33 points.
ALSO READ: Late drama at Nyayo as AFC Leopards edge APS Bomet with sensational stoppage-time comeback
It all unfolded in the final two minutes of seven added.
Victor Omune, from deep in his own half, collected the ball and charged forward, weaving through before delivering a piercing cross to Christopher Koloti on the left wing.
Koloti lofted a delicate chip into the box; Bob Centric missed it, but the ball found the net for the equalizer.
Seconds after the restart, Kelly Madada raced down the right fwing and sent a cross into the area.
The Bomet defense failed to clear cleanly, and a deflection fell to Ronald Sichenje, who calmly slotted home from close range, sealing one of Ingwe’s most dramatic wins this season.
AFC Leopards head coach Fred Ambani bold tactical shift that inspired his side’s dramatic comeback
Speaking afterward, Ambani, who appears to be the figure to lead the team back to glory days said that after conceding, he felt compelled to make bold changes and gamble by abandoning a creative midfielder.
He shifted to a formation with two forwards, Omune and Koloti, a move he credited for their success.
I saw Bomet had scored and I decided we needed to take a risk,” he stated.
I made a substitution, removing Tyson Otieno and introducing two strikers, Christopher Koloti and Victor Omune.
I told Koloti his only task was to stay advanced, pin the opponents in their final third, and allow us to build with passes from midfield forward, since we now lacked creativity in the middle.
I kept Kelly Madada in midfield for his strength, and he carried the ball upfield effectively.”
The SportPesa League coach of the Month for December praised the players for their resolve, commending their champion’s mentality throughout.
“It was good fighting spirit. It shows the character of champions and how the team is progressing. If they had given up, I don’t believe we would have won. I want to thank the players for their exceptional morale.”
ALSO READ: Fred Ambani backs Samuel Ssenyonjo to lead AFC Leopards’ title push
AFC Leopards now sit atop the table after this match, which concluded the first leg of the SportPesa League 25/26 season.
The victory provides a boost as they pursue further positive results, aiming to reclaim the title they last won over two decades ago.
