•His opposite number Sammy Omollo placed the outcome at the feet of ineffective substitutions.
•Coach Sammy 'Pamzo' Omollo was well on his way to guiding the law enforcers to a second consecutive victory — since he took the reins — but a stoppage time howler ruined the party.
AFC Leopards head coach Patrick Aussems extolled his charges for exhibiting great character after rallying from behind to hold Kenya Police to a one-all at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.
Aussems insists the team's curve is on the rise despite having registered a string of draws that now leaves them rooted 11th with 28 points.
“I'm glad this is the 16th match we are coming out unbeaten and I'm definitely satisfied with the results,” Aussems said.
“Those who know football could notice that there was only one team on the pitch. We dominated much of the play but, unfortunately, we conceded a goal that gave our opponents some confidence to get back into the game,” Aussems said.
“If one team deserved to win today it's us because we created a lot of opportunities. What's even more encouraging is that I now have more options on the bench and you saw how the substitutes came on and transformed the game."
His opposite number Sammy Omollo placed the outcome at the feet of ineffective substitutions.
“I must say it was a very good game, one of two halves. We were stronger in the first half and proved effective in all departments,” Omollo said.
“However, the situation seemed to have changed towards the end of the game especially after Leopards introduced some fresh legs. Their substitutions were very effective and, unfortunately, mine didn't produce the outcome we had expected,” Omollo said.
“All in all, I'm happy we managed a point from this match. I'm just getting to know my players, especially those who came on in the second half.”
Police went ahead when Clifton Miheso pounced on a loose ball about 20 yards out and danced his way past three opponents before teeing up Elvis Rupia in the six-yard area for a clinical finish in the 35th minute.
Omollo was well on his way to guiding the law enforcers to a second consecutive victory — since he took the reins — but a stoppage-time howler ruined the party.
As Leopards' second-half substitute Cliff Nyakeya rose high to connect with a cross, Police skipper Musa Mohammed raised his boot high and seconds later the midfielder was writhing on the ground clutching his head in pain.
The centre referee immediately pointed to the spot and Leopards' marksman John Makwatta gladly stepped up to haunt his former side with a well-struck effort a few minutes to the final whistle.