Former Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions, Kano Pillars Football recorded a 1-0 win over Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Football Club of Lagos in match day 28 encounter played at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Saturday.
The Lagos-based team began the thrilling match with the first kick of the ball and won the first corner kick in the 7th minute after Kano Pillars FC defenders blocked Stephen Odey's effort. The homers defenders thwarted Elom Kenneth's low kick with a good defensive play.
Pillars came close to registering the first goal of the match but MFM FC goalkeeper, Nasamu Emmanuel pulled a big save to deny Gambo Muhammad his goal scoring chance in the 12th minute.
Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu and his lads dominated the game for 13 minutes after the host attempt on goal. Abisoye Olawale put up a fine defensive play with a towering header when he pulled the ball away from danger.
MFM FC's petit midfielder, Chukwuka Onuwa set NPFL All Star Laliga-bound teenage striker, Stephen Odey up off a defence-splitting pass but the forward final pass couldn't find the feet of tricky left-winger, Sikiru Olatubosun.
The Sai Masu Gida soaked the pressure from the Olukoya Boys and stringed one or two passes as they went forward in search of the opener. Rasak Adegbite superb lob hit the woodwork in the 22nd minute. Muhammad Shagari should have put his team in front but his long range shot missed target after MFM FC wasted a four-against- two counter attack.
Oladele Oshobe initiated a good move in the middle of the park when he pu Odey through after a sumptuous pass, Odey beat his makers and gifted Onuwa a through pass but the former low shot was saved by Pillars keeper, David Obiazor. The first half ended goalless.
The former NPFL champions came out strong in the second half, but goalkeeper Emmanuel made an audacious save to deny Amos Gyang his goal opportunity off an angled shot in the 50th minute of the match.
Gambo Mohammed put the homers in front with a header off a cross from Zakka Bala in the 61st minute, few minutes after he missed what could have been the opener for the home team.
Atu Irumekhai Paul forced Kano Pillars goalkeeper, Obiozor to a save in the 64th minute off a ferocious shot after a fine control of the ball in the host defensive half.
In his quest to draw level, Coach Ilechukwu substituted Onuwa for captain Kenedinum Nelson, Augustine Ogunye also came out for Chijoike Akuneto while Isah Akor was introduced for Stephen Odey.
Coach Mohammed Baba Ganaru and his wards upped their game and defended so well to keep their one goal lead. The centre referee, Tivkor Thomas brought the game to an end with the Pyramid City boys securing a one nil win.
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