- AFC Leopards coach Fred Ambani has identified poor finishing as a major concern despite the team’s positive trajectory this season.
- Ambani singled out inefficiency in the final third as Ingwe’s biggest weakness in the SportPesa League.
- Leopards have scored 23 goals compared to Gor Mahia’s 27, with Ugandan international Samuel Ssenyonjo leading the scoring chart for Ingwe with just four goals.
AFC Leopards coach Fred Ambani has opened up on what has prevented his side from hitting peak performance this season, despite their impressive run in the SportPesa League.
Speaking on Sunday, January 25, after Ingwe secured their 10th win of the campaign with a narrow 1–0 away victory over Sofapaka at the Moi International Sports Centre, Ambani pointed to poor finishing in the final third as the team’s biggest weakness.
The win saw AFC Leopards return to the top of the table joint with arch-rivals Gor Mahia.
Ambani admitted that his side should have put the game to bed much earlier but wasted several clear-cut chances, especially in the first half.
We have been addressing it during our sessions (converting opportunities). I believe we had chances to seal the match in the first half (vs Sofapaka), but we squandered several promising openings. Being more clinical in attack is an area we must continue to improve, as we have been doing,” Ambani explained.
AFC Leopards coach Fred Ambani wary of final-third failings
Ingwe have been among the sides creating numerous chances this season, but their wastefulness in front of goal has distinguished them from arch-rivals Gor Mahia, with goal difference separating the two teams as they both lead the standings with 36 points.
While Leopards have scored 23 goals this season compared to Gor Mahia’s 27, their top scorer remains Ugandan international Samuel Ssenyonjo, who has netted only four times – three of which came from a hat-trick against Tusker FC in a 4-0 victory, their largest win of the season so far.
This means that, while clubs across the league are struggling to find the net -with top scorers Joe Waithira and Paul Okoth tied at just 10 goals each, the six-goal deficit to their closest rivals remains a particular frustration for Ambani.
Yes, to be honest, finishing has been a concern for some time. Failing to convert our opportunities could become risky in the coming matches, especially if opponents take theirs,” Ambani added.
He further revealed that the players sometimes overcomplicate play, attempting to dribble into the box when they are capable of shooting from distance.
I think the players want to get into the box to score, but I believe they can attempt efforts from outside as well. If we can remain composed and make the most of our chances in the final third, we could score more and improve overall as a team,” he stated.
Although Ssenyonjo remains their leading scorer and was tipped by Ambani to deliver crucial goals, the striker has not found the net in recent matches. Nevertheless, he remains a potent threat.
Defensively, Ingwe remain one of the sturdiest sides, alongside Kenya Police Fc, having conceded only 11 goals this season one fewer than Gor Mahia, who have let in 12.
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