Kano Pillars beat Ranchers Bees to move second in NPFL

Kano Pillars moved up to second in the NPFL table after Ibrahim Yahaya’s 75th-minute penalty secured a 1-0 home victory over Ranchers Bees in their Matchday 13 fixture.

The decisive goal settled a closely fought contest in Kano, where clear chances were limited before the visitors’ dismissal changed the game.

Pillars enjoyed the greater share of possession during the opening half and spent long periods applying pressure in front of their home supporters. However, Ranchers Bees defended with organisation and discipline, keeping the hosts away from dangerous areas.

The visitors had travelled to Kano after recording a 1-0 win over Enyimba and showed the same defensive resilience in the first half. Their compact shape restricted Pillars to efforts from distance, with neither side able to break the deadlock before the interval.

The match shifted in the 63rd minute when Ranchers Bees were reduced to 10 players after a straight red card. The numerical advantage gave Kano Pillars more space to attack and allowed them to increase the pressure on the visitors’ defence.

Twelve minutes later, Pillars were awarded a penalty. Yahaya took responsibility and kept his composure to send the ball past the goalkeeper, giving the Masu Gidaa the lead.

Ranchers Bees were forced to open up in search of an equaliser, but Pillars dealt effectively with the late challenge. The home side continued to threaten through half-chances while maintaining their defensive shape, preventing the visitors from creating a meaningful opportunity to level the score.

The final whistle confirmed a 1-0 result that takes Kano Pillars to 22 points from 13 matches. They now sit second in the table, behind leaders Enugu Rangers.

The victory was particularly valuable for Pillars after a season in which they had already recorded seven draws. Turning sustained home pressure into three points strengthens their position as they attempt to remain in contention near the top of the standings.

For Ranchers Bees, the defeat represents a setback in their effort to move away from the relegation zone. Their recent success against Enyimba had offered encouragement, but they left Kano without a point and also lost a player to a red card.

Kano Pillars enter the next round of fixtures in a strong position, while Ranchers Bees must respond after a result shaped by a narrow margin and their second-half dismissal.