AFC Leopards coach Fred Ambani has voiced his frustration over off-field challenges that negatively impacted his team’s preparation and contributed to their 4-2 loss to FC Talanta. The defeat marked a disappointing end to the team’s five-match unbeaten run and exposed critical issues within the club.
Leopards took an early lead in the 11th minute through Boniface Munyendo, raising hopes of another strong performance. However, their advantage was short-lived as Kevin Owino equalized just three minutes later with a well-taken free kick. The match took a turn for the worse for Leopards as Talanta capitalized on defensive lapses to dominate the game. Alex Kipruto put Talanta ahead after a swift counter-attack, and Emmanuel Osoro scored a controversial third goal, dribbling past the goalkeeper and sitting on the ball before tapping it into the net. Kipruto added a fourth goal for Talanta, sealing the fate of the Leopards despite Maxwell Otieno pulling one back in stoppage time.
The manner of the defeat, particularly the casual defending and errors leading to goals, left fans and the coaching staff deeply disappointed. The match highlighted defensive frailties and a lack of focus, issues that Ambani attributed to factors beyond the pitch.
The team’s preparations were disrupted earlier in the week due to a boycott of Thursday’s training session. Players protested delayed payments of their December salaries, an issue that cast a shadow over the team’s morale and readiness. Ambani acknowledged that these off-field problems had a significant impact on the team’s performance, undermining the cohesion and momentum they had built during their recent unbeaten streak.
Reflecting on the defeat, Ambani expressed his dismay, noting that the challenges off the field had disrupted what had been a harmonious and productive period for the team. He emphasized the importance of addressing these issues to ensure that they do not derail the club’s progress further. While he refrained from delving into specifics, his comments highlighted the broader need for improved management and support to sustain the team’s performance.
Looking ahead, Leopards face a daunting task as they prepare to take on KCB in their next match. KCB, currently second on the league table, represents a formidable opponent. Ambani and his team will need to regroup quickly and focus on their preparations to avoid a repeat of the mistakes that plagued their performance against Talanta.
The coach remains hopeful that the off-field issues will be resolved promptly, allowing the team to concentrate fully on their upcoming challenges. The loss to Talanta serves as a stark reminder of the impact that administrative and financial instability can have on a team’s performance. For Leopards to bounce back, both the players and the management must work together to create a stable and supportive environment.
