Kano Pillars move second after narrow NPFL win over Ranchers Bees

Kano Pillars assistant coach Kamil Folarin says his side’s adherence to their tactical plan was decisive as they defeated Ranchers Bees 1-0 in their NPFL Matchday 13 fixture at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Saturday.

The hosts secured victory through Yahaya Ibrahim’s 75th-minute penalty after Ranchers Bees were reduced to 10 players when Mohammed Rabiu Zulkifilu was sent off in the 63rd minute.

The result moved Kano Pillars up to second place in the NPFL table with 22 points from 13 matches. They are two points behind leaders Enugu Rangers.

Folarin was pleased with the way his players handled a fixture shaped by the historical rivalry between the two clubs.

“Thank you very much. It was a good game for us because we had a clear plan going into the match,” he said after the final whistle.

“We understood how important this fixture was, especially considering its history as a local derby and the renewed rivalry between both sides.

“We stuck to our game plan, and thankfully, it worked for us. We thank God for the result.”

The victory extended Kano Pillars’ unbeaten home run to five matches and maintained their position among the leading sides in the division.

Their next assignment will take them to Lagos, where they will face Ikorodu City.

Ranchers Bees remain 17th in the table on 12 points and will attempt to respond in their next fixture.

The match was decided by a single goal despite the contest remaining close for much of the afternoon. Ranchers Bees’ numerical disadvantage ultimately provided Kano Pillars with the opportunity to claim the points, with Ibrahim converting from the penalty spot 12 minutes after Zulkifilu’s dismissal.

Kano Pillars’ win also ensured they took full advantage of playing at home, while Ranchers Bees left the Sani Abacha Stadium still searching for a result that could lift them away from the lower end of the standings.

Folarin said the players had recognised the importance of the occasion before kick-off and followed the instructions set out by the coaching staff. That discipline helped the home side navigate a match carrying extra significance because of the local derby and the renewed rivalry between the teams.

With 13 matches played, Kano Pillars’ total of 22 points places them directly behind Enugu Rangers, while Ranchers Bees’ 12 points leave them in 17th position. Both sides will now turn their attention to their next league fixtures, with Pillars travelling to Lagos and Ranchers Bees seeking a response after their defeat.