Ambani confident AFC Leopards ready for season’s FKF PL opener against Sofapaka
By Joel Masibo, September 20, 2025AFC Leopards head coach Fred Ambani has urged Ingwe faithful to stick with the team as the former champions host Sofapaka FC at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Saturday, September 9, 2025, in their opening fixture of the 2025/2026 season.
Ingwe face a new-look Sofapaka side as they seek to break the winless jinx against Batoto Ba Mungu on Saturday afternoon. AFC Leopards, under the tutelage of club legend Ambani, have zero wins in their last five encounters with Ezekiel Akwana’s side. The two sides have played to four stalemates, with Sofapaka enjoying the only win in their five previous meetings.
Ingwe and Sofapaka fired blanks in their last encounter on February 19, 2025, after the two sides had played to a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture on December 15, 2024.
Ambani’s message
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s game, AFC Leopards head coach Fred said the players are under no pressure heading into the tie. He also extended his gratitude to the club’s National Executive Committee for having faith in him with the charges at the den, as well as asking the fans to remember the team in prayers.
”I thank the NEC for believing in me and allowing me to lead the team. I am not under any pressure, as the mood in the camp is good,” Ambani said.
”On the new signings, I cannot bring in a player who is not adding value to the team. We signed players that we know are going to help us.”
“Another is that we have had a very good preseason; the players have played a couple of friendly matches and managed to win all of them, a positive thing to note. That is how a win comes: you start with anything that comes your way,” Fred Ambani said.
On the Sofapaka fixture, Ambani said the team is well prepared for the assignments.
”Sofapaka will also be coming for the win, but I believe whoever is well prepared will carry the day. We really hope it becomes us.”
“To the AFC Leopards fans, the team will not let you down; the team is ready to give you results. All in all, let the supporters pray for the team because you cannot do anything without prayers,” Fred Ambani noted.
Elsewhere, Kariobangi Sharks will welcome the visiting Bandari FC from Mombasa at the Kasarani Annex starting at 3:00 pm.