Kano Pillars humbled Katsina United 4-1 on Friday in Kano to qualify for the final of maiden Ahlan Cup Preseason Tournament.
The first semifinal of the tournament that was played at the Kano Pillars Stadium saw new import Junior Lokosa scoring a brace as Katsina United missed the services of their schemer Destiny Ashadi who was out injured.
Katsina United were the first to show real intense of scoring with 15 minutes into the game as Lawal Tasiu played a brilliant ball for Eric Dufegha, who must be dreaming of an opening goal, but Pillars' goalkeeper David Obiazo was quick off his line to thwart the danger.
That brought to life the Kano Pillars' spirit as they responded with their own attack three minutes later when Ibrahim Alassan shoots from outside the box, but goalkeeper Yinka David rescued situation for Katsina United.
The Pyramid Boys however get ahead in the 21st minutes with Fahad Usman whipped a brilliant free kick beyond the outstretched arms of Yinka David.
David was called to action six minutes later as he made a one hand save from Pillars' captain Rabiu Ali's close range header after a quality delivery from Victor Denis.
Katsina United leveled the scoreline in the 33rd minutes after a rash tackle in Pillars' box by Nzube Anaezemba and allowed Mohammed Hussaini easily dispatched his kick, sending Obiazo the wrong way.
Kano Pillars could have regained the lead with three minutes to end half time but Junior Lokosa missed a simple tap in effort off a Ali's through pass.
The Sai Masu Gida Boys would soon get their second goal of an entertaining game within five minutes of resumption after Yinka David made a poor judgement of the ball, committed himself and brought down Lokosa in the box and Rabiu Ali calmly picked his spot get the ball past David.
Coach Abdullahi Biffo talked sense to his boys afterwards and Katsina United came alive again with spirited attack. Lukman Mohammed ghosted past three Pillars' players before releasing Tasiu who took too many touches to the ball in the danger area and allowed a Pillars recover to clear their line.
Junior Lokosa increased the tally for Pillars sending a low shot to the back of the net in the 57 minutes after a good combination of moves with Ali and Nwagua Nyima.
Just as Katsina were trying to found their way back into the game, Junior Lokosa scored his brace of the match and the fourth for Kano Pillars after beating the offside trap to side foot to the net.
It was all about Pillars in dominance and display till the dying stage of the match and could have increase the margin but veteran striker, Gambo Mohammed miscued a well laid cross by Ibrahim Mustapha.
Kano Pillars will now wait till Saturday evening after the second semi final clash between Akwa United and Elkanemi Warriors to determine who they face in the Sunday's final.
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