By Abdul Raheem
Still unsettled by Managerial uncertainties, Lagos side MFM wedged a resistance against former champions, Kano Pillars only to capitulate to a late strike by Umar Hassan.
It was a MatchDay 10 fixture at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium on Sunday but stand-in Coach for MFM, Gabriel Olalekan was impressed by his side’s dogged play but regretted they couldn’t hold out in the last minute
“We worked hard because we know we have a difficult match against a tough side like Pillars. The boys played very well but they lost concentration in the dying minutes of the game”, Olalekan said in his review of the match.
“It was very disappointing to lose the match with barely a minute to go”, he further lamented
On a note of hope, he declared that MFM must vent with a win in their next game at home to bottom placed Adamawa United.
“We have to go back and prepare for the next game against Adamawa United which we must win”, insisted Olalekan
Kano Pillars had to dig deep to conjure the goal from substitute Umar Hassan to maintain a top four position on the log
It had taken the combination of two substitutes at the death to break down the resolute MFM side that sought to pick a point on the road following back to back defeats.
As the match entered the five minutes added time, Pillars suddenly came alive launching series of attacks that made the hitherto resilient Olukoya Boys’ defence jittery.
Pillars dominated the game but were undone by a blunt attack. They were on the verge of having their home invincibility punctured with the game stalemated at full time before Umar gave them joy.
Match Stats
Kano Pillars FC Team list
1. Idris Ibrahim
27. Victor Dennis
30. Fahad Usman
32. Gerome Hechong
2. Ndasi Denis Kadiang
17. Auwalu Ali Malam
16. Bright Silas
28. Nwagua Nyima
31. Yusuf Bala Maigoro
10. Rabi’u Ali (C)
33. Abbas Rabi’u
Substitutes
12. Joshua Enaholo
26. Sunday Chinedu
6. Mustapha Jibrin
29. Achibi Ewenike
13. Usman Babalolo
3. Nasiru Sani
38. Umar Hassan
24. David Ebuka
4. Ike Chinedu
T/A: Emmanuel Lionel Soccia
CC: Ibrahim A. Musa
C: Ahmad Garba Yaro Yaro
G/T: Muzammil Aliyu
Media Officer Lurwanu Idris Malikawa
MFM Team List
1, Abayomi Folarin
3, Olayinka Yusuf
20, Adeyinka najeem
4, Barry Lebara
5, Ogoh kelechi
34, Moses adikwu
10, Akanni Elijah
24, Tunde azeez
8, Balogun muyiwa
21,Oladayo Alabi
7 Obata Paul
Substitutes
19, Justice Zachariah
25, Isaac Jerry
6, Onyema Odiuka
30, Mbonu Michael
35,Nelson Kenedinum
18,Ogwu Clement
32, Onyebuchi ifeanyi
TA: Olalekan Gabriel
Man of the match; Kano Pillars Umar Hassan was voted man of the match for winning the game for Pillars with his last minute goal.
Cautions:
Three players and two officials of MFM were cautioned for acts that are against the law of the game. Ogoh Kelechi for misconduct, Moses Adikwu for failing to use the stretcher and Paul Obata for time wasting. One official was cautioned, while the other was sent off the bench for misconduct.
Match Statistics: Kano Pillars/MFM
Shots 5/2
Shots on target 3/1
Corners 4/1
Fouls 10/23
Free kicks 24/12
Offsides 2/1
Saves 0/1
Yellow cards 4/0
Red cards 1/0
Penalties 0/0
Goals 1/0
Harrison Iwuala
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