AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda has pointed to a significant problem that has been hampering the team’s performance this season – their inability to finish scoring opportunities. Following the club’s 0-0 draw in the 96th Mashemeji Derby against Gor Mahia, Shikanda expressed his frustration with the lack of clinical finishers, which has contributed to the team’s struggles in recent matches.
Despite dominating possession and controlling the flow of play, AFC Leopards have failed to convert chances into goals. This result was their fourth goalless draw in their last five matches, a disappointing statistic that reflects the team’s recent struggles in front of goal. Their previous four games have also ended in draws, with the only goal they scored in the past month coming in their 1-1 draw with Shabana. The lack of a reliable striker has now become a glaring issue for the team.
Shikanda’s frustration is evident as he believes that his team’s inability to score has cost them crucial points, effectively preventing them from being genuine title contenders. The chairman went on to lament how the team dropped two points against Gor Mahia in what he described as an “easy match” for them. With Kenya Police winning their match, the pressure has mounted on AFC Leopards to improve their form.
“The team is playing good football, and we have been dominating matches, but unfortunately, we are not scoring,” Shikanda said. “It was an easy match for us, and we let the opportunity slip. Police won, and that just makes our position even more precarious.” He also pointed out that the fans have been showing up to the stadium, which he views as a positive sign of support, but the team has yet to reward their loyalty with the results they expect.
Shikanda, however, remains optimistic about the team’s potential and believes that the quality of their football has improved. He highlighted that fans have started to attend matches in larger numbers, drawn by the more exciting style of play the team has been showcasing. However, despite this improvement in overall play, the lack of goals has proven to be a serious handicap.
To address this issue, Shikanda suggested that the club is in dire need of a striker with the caliber of legendary forward JJ Masiga, whose presence could have made the difference in matches where AFC Leopards have struggled to finish. “We need a top striker, like JJ Masiga, who could be burying those chances and ensuring we win matches 3-0 or 4-0,” he said. The chairman made it clear that the club is actively searching for the right players to bolster their strike force, although he implied that the responsibility to address this gap lies with those who are tasked with recruitment, not him directly.
One of the key challenges for AFC Leopards has been their inability to strengthen their squad due to financial constraints, which prevented them from acquiring the much-needed striker during the midseason transfer window. This financial limitation is now a factor that the team must contend with, as their lack of goals has left them in fifth place with 37 points, 11 points behind league leaders Kenya Police. With just 10 matches remaining in the season, the team’s hopes of challenging for the title are becoming increasingly slim unless they can resolve their goal-scoring issues.
Shikanda’s comments underline the urgency with which AFC Leopards must address their striking problems if they are to remain competitive in the league. The team’s recent form has highlighted their potential to play attractive football, but without a consistent goal-scorer, their efforts are being wasted, and they are paying the price in the standings.
