AFC Leopards head coach Fred Ambani has credited his side’s persistence and a decisive second-half substitution for their last-gasp 2-1 win over Kenya Police FC at Nyayo National Stadium on Tuesday, their first FKF Premier League victory of the season.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsRonald Sichenje came off the bench to score the winning goal in the 92nd minute, converting Victor Ochieng’s assist to seal all three points for Leopards in a tightly contested encounter.##NAJAVA_MECA_10047501##Ambani admitted that Police pushed his side throughout the match but expressed satisfaction with the outcome, particularly after Leopards had failed to win their opening fixture against Bandari.“It was a tough game, but we thank God that we got the job done. Police are a good team, and they made us work hard for the points,” he said.“But we are happy because we achieved what we had set out to do before the game, and we have secured our first win of the season,” he added.The rise and rise of 6ft 8in Nairobi City Thunder power forward Bramwel MuchinaThe coach also explained the thinking behind introducing Sichenje, who made an immediate impact by finding the net late in the game.“The change was tactical. We realised that Adama Kante was tired and we needed someone who could take chances. When he came on, I told him to try and score whenever he got an opportunity because our major undoing had been failing to convert our chances. We were creating opportunities but not scoring, and he took his chances and scored.”##NAJAVA_MECA_10046924##Leopards took the lead four minutes after the restart when Kevin Luke Otiala slotted into an empty net. The breakthrough followed a controversial first half in which Tyson Otieno’s effort was correctly ruled not to have crossed the goal line, despite protests from Leopards players and supporters.The decision sparked irate reactions at half-time, with fans baying for the match officials’ blood and preventing them from accessing the dressing rooms.TACTICAL ANALYSIS: How Singida’s second-half changes turned the tide against TuskerKenya Police fought back and restored parity around the hour mark. Edward Omondi reached the byline after receiving a pass from Hernest Malonga before cutting the ball back for Elvis Rupia to score from close range.However, Sichenje’s late intervention ensured Leopards avoided another dropped points after their opening-day stalemate against Bandari.Kenya U17 coach pinpoints reasons for World Cup defeat to ChinaThe victory provides Ambani’s charges with an early boost as they seek to keep pace with Gor Mahia in the race for the FKF Premier League title.