2024/2025 Gusau/Ahlan Pre-season Cup: Kano Pillars secure Q/final

Posted : 26 August 2024

Kano Pillars FC have booked their place in the quarterfinals of the 3rd Gusau/Ahlan Pre-season tournament following a goalless draw against fellow Nigeria Premier Football League side, Lobi Stars FC of Makurdi. The Group C encounter, which took place at the New Jos Stadium on Sunday, 25th August 2024, was a tightly contested affair, with both sides struggling to find the back of the net.

The Sai Masu Gida entered the match knowing that a draw would be sufficient to secure their progression, having already amassed 4 points from previous fixtures against Mighty Jets Int'l and Discovery Academy.

Technical Adviser Usman Abdallah made strategic changes to the starting lineup, giving opportunities to fresh faces such as goalkeeper Emeka Oniya, defenders Mustapha Jibrin and Rashid Alhassan, and forward Kone Lottin Felix, as he looked to assess the squad's depth.

The game began with Kano Pillars FC on the front foot, as veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali registered the first shot on target within nine minutes. However, his effort went well off target.

Despite dominating possession, Pillars' best chance of the half came in the 25th minute when striker Kone Lottin Felix squandered a golden opportunity to put his side ahead. His shot from inside the 18-yard box sailed wide, much to the frustration of the Pillars' faithful.

The second half continued in a similar vein, with both teams creating chances but failing to convert.

At 49 minutes, Rabiu Ali once again found himself in a promising position after a clever setup by Aminu Adam, but his shot flew well off target, keeping the scoreline unchanged.

Lobi Stars nearly took the lead just moments later when a close-range effort was brilliantly denied by the sharp reflexes of Emeka Oniya, who was proving to be a reliable last line of defense for Pillars.

In the 55th minute, speedster Mustapha Salisu came agonizingly close to breaking the deadlock with a diving header, only for his effort to drift wide after being picked out by a pinpoint cross from Fahad Usman.

The tension mounted as the clock ticked on, and in the 66th minute, Salisu thought he had finally put Kano Pillars FC ahead with a powerful header, only to see the linesman raise his flag for offside, much to the dismay of the Pillars' bench.

Lobi Stars had their share of chances as well, particularly in the 75th minute when they failed to capitalize on a defensive error by Pillars' backline, sending their effort wide of the goal.

The final ten minutes of the match saw Lobi Stars ramp up the pressure, coming close to scoring twice in quick succession. However, the brilliance of Emeka Oniya in goal ensured that the Sai Masu Gida held on for the draw that secured their place in the last eight.

With this result, Kano Pillars FC advance to the quarterfinals, where they will face the tournament hosts, Plateau United.

The match is scheduled to take place at the New Jos Stadium on Tuesday, 27th August 2024, with a 4:00 pm kickoff.

Fans will be eagerly anticipating what promises to be a thrilling encounter as the Sai Masu Gida continue their quest for pre-season glory.

2024/2025 Gusau/Ahlan Pre-season Cup: Kano Pillars secure Q/final

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