Pillars Crush Ambitious Giwa 4-1 in Kano
Giwa FC first got deposed from the top of the league log by Enyimba on Sunday and only yesterday, the Jos-based team got mauled in Kano by defending champions Kano Pillars 4-1 in a Match Day 12 of the Glo Premier League decided at the Sani Abacha Stadium.
Skipper Rabiu Ali drew the first blood from the spot on the 6th minute with a penalty which looked like a professional dive but the centre referee wasted no time pointing to the spot. That decision prompted a protest from the Giwa side. It also seemed curious to some section of the fans.
Adamu Mohammed would make it two seven minutes later with a chip over on-rushing goalkeeper Achimugwu. Adamu had combined beautifully well with Azeez Shobowale to slot home.
The Tin City side however did not relent but set out some clinical moves and tried goalkeeper Theophillus Afelokhai through Charles Henlong’s powerful shot that forced another superb save in the 24th minute. Shuaibu Ibrahim also called Afelokhai to quick saves with his crafty moves and crosses.
Ocheme Edoh then pulled one back eight minutes to half time with a killer header off Henlong delivery. That goal was a slap to the host as they quickly fought back to win a second penalty on the 39th minute. This time it was Akide Ibrahim who brought down Rabiu Ali who was on a goal bound move, Ali converted the resultant kick to make it 3-1 at half time.
Pillars returned with high spirit and increased the tempo of the game as Shobowale tried more havoc on their guest. Series of saves was made by goalkeeper Achimugwu who looks good a man of the match.
Adamu Mohammed put the icing on the cake on 59th minute from a goal mouth scramble after GK Achimugwu rebound from Azeez Shobowale blazer.
The champions then dominated possession and took to leisurely play, enjoying themselves until the blast of the final whistle knowing full well that three points is a money in the bank.
The Sai Masu Gida side are now third on the log with 21 points after 12 games and will travel to Akure to face Sunshine Stars in a Match Day 13 game on Sunday while Giwa FC will be the guest of Dolphins.
TEAM LIST
Pillars: Afelokhai Theophilus GK 22, Tswanya Samuel 25, Promise James 12, Adamu Murtala 3, Suleiman Usman 17, Nura Ibrahim 33, Eneji Otekpa 15, Azeez Shobowale 30, Adamu Mohammed 2, Rabiu Ali 2, Tony Edgomariegwe 28.
SUBS
Lawrence John GK 16, Adamu Hassan 19, Nafiu Ibrahim 31, Godspower Aniefiok 29, Moses Ekpai 14, Joel Djandang 26, Isaac Hele 23.
MANAGER
Okey Emordi GIWA: Achimugwu Friday GK 23, Aminu Mbai 26, Shittu Lawal 29, Ambrose Jimmy 35, Raji Nojeem 6, Akide Ibrahim 5, Gjang Amos Danladi 11, Mohammed Saleh 13, Ocheme Edoh 30, Henlong Charles 1, Shuaibu Ibrahim 20.
SUBS
Lekyes T. Isaiah GK 17, Salumi Mubarak 8, Abubakar Ahmed 33, Emeka Ofordum 31, Okoro Charles 27, Nnoke Daniel 9, Adamu Musa 21.
MANAGER
Tony Bolus