Ambani wants perfect run-in as Leopards seek end to trophy drought

The Leopards boss has admitted there is no room for errors as the team seek to hoist the KPL title for the first time in nearly 30 years, adding there can be no safety-first approach or fear of defeat.

He wants his team to get on the front foot and get points won, whatever the circumstances, if they are to elbow out Gor Mahia and lift their first top-flight title since 1998.

“Now it's who handles the pressure more, who is more stable, and thinking every single second that it doesn't matter if you lose. You have to go and play eight matches to win every single game. We must not slip up,” said Ambani.

Leopards are currently second on 52 points, four adrift of Gor Mahia, who have played one fewer game, and nine points above third placed Shabana.

Ingwe next travel to face Murang’a SEAL on Sunday while K’Ogalo play ninth place Tusker on Thursday.

A loss for Ingwe in any of their remaining matches will heavily puncture their title hopes and push Gor closer to their 22nd record-extending league title.

In their last outing, Leopards edged Kariobangi Sharks 1-0 at Nyayo Stadium to stay on course thanks to Tyson Otieno’s strike in the second half while Gor Mahia were not in action last weekend.

“That win against Kariobangi Sharks is very important to us when you look at where we are heading to-prospects of winning the league and with eight matches remaining to play. Sharks played very good football and they made life difficult for us. We should remain focused and consistent.”

“Those matches ahead of us will be very important to us,” said Ambani.

Ambani also praised the team’s attacking creativity, singling out midfielder Tyson Otieno.

His standout performances, combined with strong chemistry alongside Kelly Madada and James Kinyanjui, have been key positives for the team.

“Tyson’s brilliance has been of much help for us. It’s like they – Kariobangi Sharks who lost 0-1 to Leopards over the weekend at Nyayo National Stadium- decided that Tyson and Madada won’t penetrate as they have been.

“That’s why we decided to bring in Beja (Hassan who was the goal scorer) to calm things down and help us gain possession,” added Ambani.