21st May, 2012
Kwara United Coach, Tunde Sanni has expressed delight over his players’ impressive display against Nigeria Premier League table-topper, Kano Pillars at the weekend.
The Kwara state-owned club would have their goalkeeper, Kazeem Yekeen to thank as his brilliant dive at the death of the match saved them from sharing points with visiting Kano Pillars.
Speaking after the match with SuperSport.com, Sanni said: “Kano Pillars played well, but thanks to our players for the victory, which served as a tonic for me, having lost our last two games.”
His Kano Pillars’ counterpart, Baba Ganaru said afterwards that his boys were sleepy not to have ended the game stalemate.
“A draw would have been better for us, but it’s unfortunate we lost. United fought well but my boys slept off and conceded,” Ganaru told SuperSport.com in Ilorin.
It was an NPL Match day 27 tie at the Ilorin Township Stadium.
The first 45 minutes failed to produce any spark as both sides were cautious.
United were much better in the game, but missed numerous chances in the second half and were made to wait until the 77th minute for the winner when substitute, Segun Alebiosu appeared at the far post to head pass Pillars’ goalkeeper, Joseph Onwugha.
Parity was almost restored in the 80th minute when Pillars’ Abubakar Baleria laid down an excellent pass to Nasiru Ali, but the former Kwara United forward turned a culprit as he shot it over.
Midfield maestro, Segun Atere and Anthony Okemiri combined to create what could have been the second goal in the 84th minute for Alebiosu.
The striker’s feint left Pillars’ defender, Umar Zango stranded, only for him to shoot the ball wide.
Pillars thought they would get an equaliser in the 90th minute after a superb counter-attack from Mannir Ubale, but United goalkeeper, Yekeen was fantastic as Gambo Mohammed’s shot was beaten away for a corner.