Ambani backs Leopards to bounce back against Bandari after BB Bread shock

AFC Leopards midfielder Tyson 'Duch Duch' Otieno during a past KPL encounter/AFC LEOPARDS 

AFC Leopards head coach Fred Ambani has dismissed fears of a hangover from Ingwe’s shock Mozzart Bet Cup exit, insisting his side has the mental strength and quality to bounce back when they face Bandari FC in a SportPesa League fixture at Mbaraki Stadium this weekend.

Leopards head into the coastal showdown nursing the pain of a 4–3 post-match defeat to the FKF Regional League outfit BB Bread after the contest ended 2–2 in regulation time.

The result sent shockwaves through the local football scene, but Ambani says the setback will not define Ingwe’s season.

“We were hurt, yes, very hurt,” Ambani admitted. “When you lose a match like that, especially against lower-league opposition, it stays with you. But football does not allow you to cry for too long. You must stand up and respond.”

The Leopards tactician was keen to put the defeat into perspective, pointing out that knockout football can be cruel and unforgiving.

“This is the reality of cup competitions,” he said. “One mistake, one moment of lack of concentration, and you are punished. BB Bread played with freedom; they were brave, and they took their chances. We must respect that.”

Despite the disappointment, Ambani believes the experience could serve as a turning point rather than a setback in Ingwe’s title push.

Leopards sit second on the league standings with 36 points, four behind leaders Gor Mahia.

“What matters now is how we react,” Ambani stressed. “I always tell my players that big teams are not measured by how they win, but by how they respond after losing. This is the test of our character.”

“When we reported back to training, I saw anger, but it was the right kind of anger,” he explained. “It was anger that says, ‘We are better than this.’ That is what gives me confidence going into Mbaraki.”

Ambani is fully aware of the challenge posed by Bandari FC, particularly at their intimidating coastal home, where the humid conditions and passionate crowd often work in the hosts’ favour.

“Playing Bandari in Mbaraki is never easy,” he noted. “They are very strong at home, they know how to use the conditions, and they have experienced players who can hurt you if you are not focused.”

However, the Leopards boss remains confident his side has the tactical discipline and mentality required to come away with a positive result.

“We have prepared well,” Ambani said. “We have worked on our defensive organisation because we conceded goals we should not have conceded. At the same time, we know we can score against anyone in this league.”

Ambani was particularly candid about the need for his players to manage pressure better, especially in decisive moments.

“The biggest lesson from the BB Bread match is composure,” he said. “We should have killed the game. Instead, we allowed emotions to take over. Against Bandari, we must be mature.”

“As the coach, I take responsibility. If the team loses, it starts with me. I make the selections, I set up the team. The players gave their all, and I will never throw them under the bus," he observed.

On the title race, he said: “We know where we are on the table. Four points is not a big gap in football. But we must be consistent. That starts with winning matches like this one against Bandari.”

“Our supporters were hurting just like us. But I want them to know that this team is fighting. We feel their expectations, and we want to give them something to celebrate.”

Ambani is expected to place his faith in mercurial midfielder Tyson Otieno to drive AFC Leopards’ attacking resurgence. Otieno has been in scintillating form in recent weeks, emerging as Ingwe’s creative heartbeat and the chief architect of their attacking play.

His vision, quick feet and ability to unlock stubborn defences have seen him supply a significant share of the team’s assists this season, making him a constant threat between the lines and a key figure in Leopards’ quest for goals.