Kano Pillars staged a remarkable late fightback to secure a 2-2 draw against Lobi Stars at the Lafia Township Stadium on Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday 13.
Rabiu Ali’s stunning free-kick and Umar Shehu’s quick reaction to a rebound salvaged a crucial point after Lobi Stars had dominated the first half.
Lobi Stars scored in the 7th minute when Ahmadu Liman capitalised on a defensive lapse to slot home clinically. Moments later, Liman turned provider, setting up Ossy Martins with a perfectly timed pass that the forward converted to double the lead in the 14th minute.
The hosts appeared in complete control, leaving Kano Pillars on the back foot.
Kano Pillars fought back with determination, with Ahmed Musa creating opportunities and Rabiu Ali narrowly missing the target with a powerful effort. Despite their growing pressure, they went into halftime trailing by two goals.
The wowing distance Rabiu Ali scored his 4th free-kick and 8th goal of the season vs. Lobi Stars.
• The courage 👏
• The distance 😳
• The precision 👋
• The strength 💪
• From a 44-year-old 👴We might be seeing Rabiu play till his 50s 🌟🔥 pic.twitter.com/gK7lCh6BUr
— Leagues Reporter (@LeaguesReporter) November 24, 2024
The second half saw Lobi Stars attempting to maintain their advantage, but Pillars grew into the game and turned the tide in the final quarter. In the 76th minute, Rabiu Ali delivered a moment of magic, curling a superb free-kick into the top corner. Just a minute later, Ahmed Musa’s shot was parried by goalkeeper Orya Joseph, and Umar Shehu reacted quickly to bury the rebound, completing the dramatic comeback.
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Lobi Stars tried to reclaim the lead, but Kano Pillars’ defense held strong in the closing minutes.
Kano Pillars are now unbeaten in their last four games, recording back-to-back draws to reach 19 points. Meanwhile, Coach Daniel Amokachi’s struggles for consistency with Lobi Stars continue, as they remain on 13 points and could end matchday 13 in the relegation zone.
Other matchday 13 results
Heartland 0-0 Rangers: A tightly contested goalless draw saw both teams share the spoils in an uneventful Oriental derby.
Niger Tornadoes 0-0 Ikorodu City: Defensive solidity from both sides ensured no breakthroughs in another stalemate.
Bendel Insurance 3-1 Kwara United: Bendel Insurance returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion, even in the absence of departed coach Monday Odigie. Nazir Mohammed scored a brace to lead the charge, while Austin Ogunye came off the bench to net his first goal of the season, sealing a morale-boosting victory despite Kwara United’s lone strike.
El-Kanemi Warriors 1-0 Akwa United: Ibrahim Mustapha’s expertly taken penalty compounded the woes of relegation-threatened Promise Keepers, as El-Kanemi Warriors secured a vital win.
