Match Report: Northwest derby ends in 1-0 victory for Sai Masu Gida
KANO (Made In Africa Sport) – In the first North West derby held at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano, it was the Saimasu Gida side that emerged victorious, defeating Katsina United by a narrow margin of 1-0.
The sole goal of the match was netted by Mustapha Yuga in the 27th minute, capitalizing on a well-executed pass from the veteran skipper of the team, Rabiu Ali.
This crucial victory secured three valuable points for the home team and elevated them to the 8th position on the league table.
The tightly contested game witnessed some disciplinary actions as the referee brandished yellow cards for three players.
Pillars’ Ali Abdullahi received a caution in the 31st minute, while Okoro Ibe of Katsina United was booked in the 41st minute.
Coach Tony Bolus attempted to turn the tide around with a double substitution on the hour mark by replacing Usman Bara’u and Mansoor Saleh with Okoko Junior and Azeez Falolu, respectively, but Pillars held their ground tightly to record a consecutive win over their fierce rival.
This win brought relief to Coach Abdullahi Maikaba, who had previously endured a disappointing start to the league, suffering a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Sunshine Stars in their opening match in Akure.
The Chanji boys will look to bounce back to winning ways when they host Lobi Stars at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium on matchday three, while Kano Pillars will travel down south to face Abia Warriors in Umuahia.
