By George Akpayen
Christian Pyagbara was on target for 3SC as his goal inside added time helped the Oluyole Warriors defeat Kano Pillars 2-1 at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano in Monday’s only Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) fixture.
Rabiu Ali opened scoring by giving Kano Pillars the lead before 3SC’s comeback through second half goals from Taiye Muritala and Pyagbara ensured they claimed the full points.
Five-time champions Kano Pillars began on the front foot when Ali capitalized on a sloppy play from the back by 3SC to put his team in front two minutes into the contest.
Kano Pillars’ early lead brought back memories of 2016 when they demolished 3Sc 6-0 in a Matchweek 13 fixture but Gbenga Ogunbote’s men were not in Kano to sit back and soak up the pressure.
Despite an early setback of losing centre-back Aniyikaye Adeleye to injury, 3SC finished the first half stronger though Kano Pillars went into the locker room with their one-goal lead.
Central figures in 3SC’s chase for a goal in the first half were Ayobami Junior, Monday Gideon and captain Taofeek Malomo.
It was no surprise that 3SC got out of the blocks faster in the second half when Ayodeji Bamidele who replaced the injured Aniyikaye in the first half provided the assist for Muritala to level the score on 48 minutes.
Stung by Muritala’s goal, the home side revved into action and swamped 3SC’s area. Okiemute Odah in goal for 3SC played his part by pulling off two big saves to deny Kano Pillars the chance to go in front midway into the second half.
As the game swung from end to end, Pyagbara found himself at the right place in added time to score the winner off Alex Aghahowa’s pass to help 3SC claim their second win on the road this season.
For Kano Pillars, it is the second time they would suffer defeat at the Sani Abacha Stadium after Abia Warriors had surprisingly defeated them.
Ogunbote’s men now five points behind league leaders Rangers will face title contenders Lobi Stars at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan on Sunday while Kano Pillars make the trip to Benin City to face Bendel Insurance on same weekend.