Niger Tornadoes succumbed 2-1 to a last minute defeat against Kano Pillars in an NPFL Match Day 18 tie played at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano at the weekend.
It was a bright and exciting opening exchanges early in the game as the two teams were seen trying to assert control on the game.
The Ikon Allah Boys looked to have won a penalty 10 minute on the clock when Abdulrasheed Dabai was hacked down inside the box after being set free by Ifeanyi Okechukwu, but the arbiters overlooked.
The hosts took the lead on the half hour mark when Naziru Salisu’s free kick was well connected into the net by Alhassan Rasheed to give the hosts the lead.
Joseph Godstime was also substituted prematurely with a back pain complaint, as the hosts maintained a slim lead into the break.
The visitors made three early second half substitutions when Okoye, Mendos and Olawale were thrown into the fray in a move that paid off immediately as Tornadoes made the hosts to start chasing the game.
Ifeanyi Okoye beautifully set up Aliyu Mohammed who powered a ferocious shot that beat Charles Tambe in goal for the hosts to level the score.
After several incursions into the visitors area in search of goal, Pillars later snatched victory at the death when an unmarked Ahmed Musa got the ball and slotted home for the winner.
Majin Mohammed praised his players for their spirited performance despite the defeat.
“We had a good game, but it’s a defeat and we’ve taken it like that.
“Injury to my players early in the game changed the pattern of our approach to the game and that affected us.
“Its a good atmosphere here. If you come here and play good football, you get your result. I also commend the fans,” the Niger Tornados Coach concluded.
