Kano Pillars ended their recent winless run after coming from behind to defeat visiting Abia Warriors 2-1 at Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna.
Nweke Kalu scored first for the visitors but two goals inspired by Pillars skipper and man of the match, Ali Rabiu; a tap in by Saidu Salisu and a header by Abdullahi Musa gave the Sai Masu Gida the much-desired victory.
Abia Warriors forward, Mustapha Jibreel, a homeboy that grew up in Rigasa, a Kaduna suburb, had two chances blocked by Pillars’ defence with a section of the fans rooting for him.
They created a vibrant atmosphere, almost raising the roof in applauding his every move with chants and dancing with the placards they made for him anytime he touches the ball.
Pillars’ mistake handed Abia Warriors the opener, when their offside trap was sprung by Godwin Obaje as he raced to loft the ball high towards a defenceless goal, with keeper Idris Ibrahim well beaten.
Nweke Kalu led the race to the ball as he managed to tip it into the empty net.
But Rabiu would roll back the years to give a commanding performance that showed a glimpse of his heydays, dominating the midfield in the absence of Yusuf Maigoro, and guiding the attack.
He would be disappointed not to have scored a goal that his performance deserved.
Rabiu’s shot which would have given Pillars the lead was tipped over the bar by Abia Warrior’s keeper, Edafe Vincent.
His second shot on goal was parried by Edafe but this time Saidu Salisu was lurking to slot home the rebound.
Rabiu’s incisive free-kick was nodded home by Abdullahi Musa for Pillars’ second goal.
Speaking after the match, Coach Imama Amakapabo blamed their loss on two incidents.
“It wasn’t a bad game but it wasn’t the result I expected.
We were not outplayed, if we had taken a step further, we would have had a better outcome.
We had a chance we didn’t take”, Imama summed up the game.
Ibrahim Musa assured Pillars fans that they will continue to work hard to move to the top echelon where they belong.
“We started the game well and we secured victory.
We need to improve from where we stopped.
We had a problem in the attack and we would work on it.
We would work hard to get a continental ticket”, he promised.
Match stats:Man of the match; Kano Pillars skipper Ali Rabiu
Pillars – Abia WarriorsShots on target 5, 2Shots off target 3, 2Free kicks 15, 15Throw-ins 7, 12Corner kicks 2, 3Off-sides 5, 6Yellow cards 0, 0Red cards 0, 0Goals 2, 1Penalties 0, 0
NPFL/Nnenna.
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Pillars Taste Victory Again In Comeback Defeat Of Abia Warriors