Troubled Pillars secure vital victory over Sunshine Stars
Kano Pillars have ended a five-match winless run after a hard fought 1-0 victory over Sunshine Stars in the Match Day 25 of the 2021/22 Nigeria Professional Football League season yesterday.
Pillars who had been banished to play their home games at the MKO Abiola National stadium, Abuja, got the only goal of the game in the 12th minute through Jerry Alex who expertly finished a cross from Mark Daniel.
The ‘home team’ had lost their first encounter this season to Sunshine Stars 3-0 early this year put everything humanly possible to prevent another loss that would jeopardise their top flight football action.
The Sai Masu Gida came close to doubling their lead through Rabiu Ali’s free kick which found the head of Jerry Alex but painfully hit the post.
All efforts to score more goals failed with Pillars still swimming in relegation waters moved up to 17th with 26 points while Sunshine Stars despite the loss remain 7th with 36 points.
In the same vein, Match Day 20 rescheduled game between Katsina Utd and Abia Warriors ended 2-1 in favour of the hosts.
Abia Warriors’ Godwin Obaje had stunned their hosts with a beautiful strike in the 13th minute but as the first half was about to end, Mustapha Salisu scored an equalising goal as the first half ended 1-1.
Before the restart, Abia Warriors made a change with
Gabriel Adeolu replacing Paul Samson in search of the winning goal.
That tactical change failed to yield the desired result as Katsina Utd kept on piling pressure on their visitors.
This pressure paid off in the 57th minute when Salisu scored his brace to lead his side away from the relegation zone.
Katsina United with this victory moved to 15th position with 27 points while Abia Warriors remained on the 14th position with 27 points also.