Kano Pillars’ most influential players, Ahmed Musa and Rabiu Ali, scored a goal each but the ‘Masu Gida’ boys failed to secure the maximum points on their return to the Sani Abacha Stadium as visiting Heartland benefitted from Suraju Lawal’s brace to share the spoils in yesterday’s Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) week 12 match.
It will be recalled that Pillars who were playing their home matches at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium Katsina returned to Kano for the first time this season following the completion of renovation work on their home ground the Sani Abacha Stadium.
However, the expectant fans watching their darling team at home for the first time this season were left disappointed as the ‘Masu Gida’ boys had to fight back twice to pick a point.
After a barren first half, Lawal shocked the home fans when he put the visitors ahead in the 51st minute but six minutes later, Ali ‘Pele’ drew Pillars level.
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Lawal restored Heartland’s lead in the 59th minute before Ahmed Musa saved Pillars from a second home defeat with the equaliser in the 75th minute.
In Ikenne, Remo Stars survived Rivers United scare to remain on top of the log after the title contenders settled for a 0-0 draw.
Elsewhere, new boys Ikorodu City fought back to beat 3SC 2-1 in the south-west derby in Lagos, Rangers edged Bendel Insurance 3-2 at the ‘Cathedral’ while Abia Warriors failed to return to winning ways as they were forced to a 1-1 draw by City rivals Enyimba at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
In Maiduguri, Nigerian international, Ibrahim Mustapha, was the hero as he scored the only goal in El-Kanemi Warriors’ 1-0 win over Niger Tornadoes.
Emmanuel Ogbole’s brace from the penalty spot earned Kwara United the maximum points against North Central rivals Plateau United in Ilorin, just as Promise Awosanmi’s 48th minute goal was enough to hand Sunshine Stars a slim victory over Lobi Stars in Ijebu-Ode.
And after suffering their first home loss of the season last week, Katsina United travelled to Yenagoa where they forced Bayelsa United to a 1-1 draw.
The only week 12 match played on Saturday in Uyo between Akwa United and Nasarawa United ended 1-0 in favour of the former.
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