Kano Pillars Advance To S/Final Of Gusau/Ahlan Preseason Tournament
By Yahaya Kana Onzonu, Lafia
Kano Pillars of Kano on Monday put three goals past Katsina United to book their place in the semi-final of the ongoing Gusau/Ahlan Preseason Tournament at the Lafia City Stadium.
Goals from Ali Williams and Okorie Chidozie either side of Umar Sani’s 45th minute strike were enough to sink Coach Azeez Mohammed Audu’s resilient side, who fought gallantly until the very end.
In the day’s other fixture, hard-fighting Basira FC of Lafia held their ground against Plateau United to force a goalless draw in regulation time.
The tie was decided from twelve yards, with United edging Basira 9–8 on penalties. A cooly converted final spot-kick proved decisive in the end.
Basira’s profligacy in front of goal which saw them spurn 3 clear chances in regulation time will no doubt weigh heavilly on the team.
The stage is now set for a mouth-watering semi-final clash on Wednesday, as Kano Pillars square up against coach Abdul Maikaba’s Wikki Tourists of Bauchi – also 3-0-winners against Niger Tornadoes – in a make-or-mar battle for a place in the final slated for Friday, August 16.
The second Semi final will be an emotions charged encounter between Nasarawa United who defeated Lobi Stars of Makurdi by a lone goal in their quarter final clash and Plateau United.