AFC Leopards beat KCCA 1-0 as Ambani warns FKF Premier League rivals

AFC Leopards completed their pre-season with a 1-0 victory over Uganda’s 13-time champions KCCA FC at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday, August 22. The result made it three wins from three matches and gave coach Fred Ambani further belief that his squad can trouble Gor Mahia, Shabana FC and the rest of the FKF Premier League in the 2026/27 season.

Ambani’s confidence is also linked to the way AFC Leopards’ new arrivals have settled into the squad. Musa Ceesay, Erick Balecho, Issa Emuria and the club’s other recruits have started forming relationships with their teammates, while adapting to the demands of the team.

The coach said the technical staff is continuing to guide the newcomers through the tactical approach expected at AFC Leopards. He believes their quality and ability to operate in different areas will give the team more options during the campaign, although further work is needed before competitive fixtures begin.

The winning pre-season run has strengthened the mood around the squad after what the club considers a strong finish to the previous season. AFC Leopards are aiming to build on that progress and compete for the league title, with Ambani viewing the recent results as an important source of confidence rather than a finished product.

Gor Mahia enter the new campaign as the 2025 FKF Premier League leaders after collecting 69 points from 34 matches. They recorded 20 wins, nine draws and five defeats, scoring 50 goals and conceding 22. Their recent results have been mixed, with defeats by Vipers and Nairobi United, a 0-0 draw against Mara Sugar, and wins over APR and Murang’a SEAL.

That form gives context to Ambani’s warning, though the Leopards coach acknowledged that his own squad still has areas to refine. Gor Mahia’s next league fixture is against Murang’a SEAL on August 29, 2026, while AFC Leopards continue preparing to turn their encouraging pre-season into results when the new campaign starts.