Shabana FC coach Ahmed Fathi is banking on discipline, tactical precision and a committed squad to frustrate AFC Leopards when the two sides meet in a SportPesa League encounter at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.

The Egyptian tactician faces a stern test against an Ingwe side buoyed by a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Kenya Police FC on Tuesday. However, Fathi insists his players are prepared for the challenge.

“We are concentrating on our plan and how we want to approach this match,” Fathi said, stressing the importance of sticking to their strategy against a Leopards side with considerable attacking threat.

Shabana have made an encouraging start to the campaign, collecting four points from their opening two matches. They began with a 1-0 away victory over Posta Rangers before settling for a goalless draw against Nairobi United.

Fathi wants his team to maintain that defensive solidity while taking advantage of scoring opportunities against Leopards.

The first Egyptian coach to manage a team in Kenya’s top flight has also made discipline and commitment key factors in his selection policy as he builds a squad capable of challenging for major honours.

“I trust the players who have shown commitment and discipline in training. We are preparing to compete and fight for the victory,” he said.

Meanwhile, Leopards coach Fred Ambani wants his side to be more clinical in front of goal after identifying weaknesses in their recent performances. Despite their comeback win over Police, Ambani believes his team must improve as they seek to maintain a strong start to the season.

“We were only about 30 per cent efficient in our previous performance,” he said, highlighting the need for his forwards to make better use of scoring opportunities.

Ambani has also cautioned his players against overcomplicating their build-up, particularly in their own half, where losing possession could leave them vulnerable to Shabana’s counter-attacks.

“We have to stop complicating things in dangerous areas. When we lose the ball while playing short passes in our own half, we expose ourselves,” he said.

The Leopards coach wants his creative players to attack with greater urgency, dribble at opponents and find ways to break down defensive lines. He is also aware that dropping more points could undermine the team’s ambitions in a season where consistency will be crucial.

“Every match deserves respect. If we want to challenge for the title, we cannot afford to keep dropping points,” Ambani said.

Recent head-to-head results favour Leopards, who thrashed Shabana 5-1 in March and won 2-1 in the reverse league fixture in October 2025.

However, Fathi is determined to ensure Shabana arrive in Nairobi ready to compete rather than simply make up the numbers.

“We did not come here just to participate. We want to build a team that can challenge for the biggest honours,” he said.