By Daily Sports on May 13, 2016

El-Kanemi Warriors put life back to their campaign with a two-nil win over four-time Nigerian champions, Kano Pillars, at the Maiduguri stadium on Thursday.

Ibrahim Mustapha was recalled to the El-Kanemi startlist by Ladan Bosso after he missed the trip to Owerri owing to illness.

Kano Pillars head coach, Mohammed Baba Ganaru, had to make a late adjustment to his match day squad as winger Prince Aggreh named to start from the bench was left out altogether after he fell ill. Nigeria defender Jamiu Alimi was restored to the squad after he missed the win at home over Ikorodu United.

The Maiduguri club started off better with Mustapha failing to make an early chance count four minutes into the contest.

The hosts continued to press for the opener with Mustapha, Chinedu Ohanachom, Abraham Audu and Alhaji Mohammed having a go at different times with Pillars goalkeeper, David Obiazo, standing in between them and a goal.

But 23 minutes into the game, El-Kanemi were awarded a spot kick after Rabiu Ali stopped Souleymane Dori's effort in the box with his hand. Pillars protested the decision.

Five minutes later, Ibrahim Mustapha converted from the spot to give El-Kanemi a goal lead.

Just past the half hour mark, Rabiu Ali's angled shot was saved by El-Kanemi goalkeeper Michael George.

Kano Pillars custodian, Obiazo, had one more save to make before the game went into the break when Mustapha in an unmarked position saw his attempt to get a brace kept out.

However, the hope of Baba Ganaru's men to fightback took a hit six minutes after the restart. Hussaini Mohammed doubled the lead for El-Kanemi.

Obiazo was alert enough to stop El-Kanemi from scoring a third goal and twice too from Hussaini and Ohanachom in the space of six minutes.

Kano Pillars playmaker, Ali, then attempted to spark his side's bid to fightback into life. Thrice the midfielder aimed at goal with El-Kanemi stopping him twice.

The Kano club would have Obiazo to thank in the 78th minute when he kept out a one-on-one with Mustapha.

The loss in Maiduguri meant Kano Pillars missed the chance to go top of the pile if they had avoided defeat. (supersports.com)

Source Daily Sports

Posted May 13, 2016

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