Fred Ambani: 5 Instances When AFC Leopards Coach Never Lost Mashemeji Derby

AFC Leopards coach Fred Ambani is still basking in the Mashemeji Derby victory after masterminding Gor Mahia’s downfall in the 98th meeting between the eternal rivals.

Ambani protected his proud record of not losing to Gor Mahia either as a player or coach when Julius Masaba’s first half goal secured a 1-0 victory for AFC Leopards at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.

It continues a run of five matches without losing to K’Ogalo for the former Leopards star who was part of the squad that won Ingwe’s last Premier League title in 1998.

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So, how has Ambani stayed unbeaten against Gor Mahia?

During the 1998 season when Leopards won the title, Ambani was part of a star-studded squad that would lift the league crown, having edged Mumias Sugar by three points.

In the first leg of their meeting with Gor Mahia, Leopards won 2-0 and it was Ambani and Philip Ouma on the score sheet as they downed K’Ogalo.

In the corresponding fixture the same season, Ambani was part of the Ingwe squad as the two teams played out a goalless draw with Leopards ensuring they did not lose to the enemy on their way to their 12th league crown.

Ambani’s all Mashemeji derbies as a coach have come in 2025 and he has remained unbeaten. His first taste of the big match in the dugout came in March this year when, after a number of postponements, the game was finally staged at Nyayo Stadium.

In front of an expectant capacity crowd, Leopards pulled off a defensive masterclass that nullified Gor Mahia’s attacking threat as both teams settled for a barren draw.

The first Mashemeji Derby to be held outside Nairobi, the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay was the venue for the high stakes clash after unavailability of a suitable stadium in Nairobi.

Austin Odhiambo gave Gor Mahia the lead after 31 minutes but Bernard Wanyama drew Leopards level in the 50th minute as the spoils were shared.

The latest derby returned to Nairobi with Nyayo Stadium the venue and Ambani, whose team came into the match on the back of two draws and a loss, employed a great tactical plan that foiled Gor Mahia.

Leopards pinned Gor Mahia and ensured K’Ogalo had no threat at their goal while they took their best chance, Julius Masaba slotting home from a rebound after goalkeeper Byrne Omondi had punched the ball out.