Kano Pillars close on Enugu Rangers after derby penalty win

Kano Pillars moved into second place in the NPFL after Yahaya Ibrahim’s 75th-minute penalty secured a 1-0 victory over 10-man Ranchers Bees in the northern derby at Sani Abacha Stadium.

The match was goalless at half-time, but Ranchers Bees’ task became more difficult when Mohammed Rabiu Zulkifilu was sent off in the 63rd minute. Ibrahim converted from the spot 12 minutes later to settle a tight contest.

The result takes Kano Pillars to 22 points from 13 games and extends their unbeaten home run to five matches. They are now two points behind leaders Enugu Rangers, who had 24 points from 11 games before Sunday’s away fixture against Niger Tornadoes.

However, the table does not provide a complete picture of the title race. Rangers have played two fewer matches, meaning their advantage could increase to eight points if they win both games in hand. If Rangers lose both, they would be only two points ahead of Pillars once the teams have played the same number of matches.

The significance of Rangers’ outstanding fixtures had been examined in an earlier Soccernet assessment during the week.

Folarin praises Pillars’ approach

Kano Pillars first assistant coach Kamil Folarin said the occasion required a disciplined approach because of the importance and history of the local derby.

“We stuck to our game plan,” Folarin said afterwards, according to comments reported by Complete Sports.

Ranchers Bees remain in the lower part of the table on 12 points.

Kano Pillars’ performance followed a pattern that has helped them build a strong home record. They remained patient through the opening hour, then took advantage after the visitors were reduced to 10 men.

Their next match will provide a different test, as they travel to Lagos to face Ikorodu City. That fixture will show whether they can maintain their momentum away from Sani Abacha Stadium.

Barau held by Doma United

Matchday 13 opened on Friday with Shooting Stars’ late victory over Bendel Insurance.

The other Saturday fixture ended goalless, with Doma United and Barau FC sharing the points in a 0-0 draw.

Barau remain fourth on 20 points, while Doma United are eighth with 17 points.

For Kano Pillars, the win keeps the pressure on Enugu Rangers but also underlines how much depends on the leaders’ two games in hand. Their position is promising, although the race will not be decided solely by results in Kano.