AFC Leopards chairman Boniface Ambani has issued an apology to the club’s supporters following the team’s painful 4-1 defeat to Mathare United at Nyayo National Stadium.
The defeat was particularly difficult for Leopards fans to take considering the position the team had put itself in during the match. After a tightly contested first half where both sides created chances but failed to score, Leopards eventually broke the deadlock early in the second half.
Captain Victor Omune gave Ingwe the lead in the 58th minute when he finished off a well-timed low cross from Ronald Sichenje on the left flank. At that point, Leopards looked in control and appeared on course to secure an important victory that would have kept their push near the top of the table on track.
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However, the match dramatically slipped away from them in the final quarter of the game.
Mathare United levelled matters in the 75th minute after goalkeeper James Ssetuba failed to properly deal with a cross from substitute Paul Kinyanjui. The loose ball fell kindly to Brian Ouru, who reacted quickly to bundle it home for the equaliser.
The Slum Boys continued to press and just six minutes later Ouru struck again, capitalising on a defensive mistake after pressing the Leopards backline deep inside their own half.
Mathare’s momentum did not stop there. In the 85th minute, Isaac Omweri added a third after connecting with a corner from Kinyanjui, his shot sneaking through a crowded penalty area and beyond everyone into the net. Moments later, Ian Omondi completed the rout with a left-footed finish after Leopards failed to clear another corner situation.
In the end, Mathare scored four goals in roughly twenty minutes, turning what had looked like a comfortable afternoon for Leopards into a nightmare result.
AFC Leopards chairman Boniface Ambani Apologises after Mathare United defeat
Following the defeat, club chairman Ambani has addressed the Ingwe faithfuls, admitting the loss was painful and apologising to the fans who had turned up in large numbers to support the team.
“Yesterday we played Mathare United at Nyayo Stadium in a match we heavily lost by a 4-1 margin after going ahead in the 59th minute and later conceding four goals in a span of 20 minutes. First, I would like to thank our fans for turning up in large numbers and supporting the boys until the last minute. It has been our goal this season to win the league. Secondly, on behalf of the team, I apologise for yesterday’s heavy loss.”
Ambani also pointed to several injuries within the squad that disrupted the team selection heading into the match.
“I acknowledge the challenges posed by multiple injuries within the squad. Our key players Humphrey Katasi, Kayci Odhiambo, Emmanuel Lwangu and Brian Nyongesa were unavailable. While injuries are not an excuse, the club signed players who are expected to step up when called upon. The team’s attack was very blunt in our match against Mathare United.”
Despite the setback, the chairman has assured fans that the club leadership is already looking at ways to address the issues.
“As the club chairman, I assure our supporters that measures are being taken to address these issues. I sincerely call upon our fans to continue offering their support as the team works to improve. We will need to strengthen our squad to have enough depth in the future. As a fan, remember that the club needs you most in times like this. We now focus on the next match.”
The defeat dealt a blow to AFC Leopards’ title ambitions this season, but Ambani believes unity between the club and its supporters will be key as the team looks to recover in the upcoming fixtures.