Pillars beat Al Merreikh 3-1 to reclaim top position

A brace from striker Victor Mano in the first half of the match was what Pillars needed to demoralize their opponents who came into the match with a clear intention to cause a major upset. Propelled by their Nigerian import Stephen Worgu who proved a handful for the Kano Pillars defenders, Al Merreikh kept the […]

A brace from striker Victor Mano in the first half of the match was what Pillars needed to demoralize their opponents who came into the match with a clear intention to cause a major upset.

Propelled by their Nigerian import Stephen Worgu who proved a handful for the Kano Pillars defenders, Al Merreikh kept the pressure on their host but in the second quarter of the half, Kano Pillars striker, Victor Mano in a goal mouth scramble sneaked the ball into the net for the first goal of the match.

Few minutes later Pillars outside right man made a dashing run down the flank for a tailored cross which found lurking Victor Mano who converted the cross for his second goal of the evening.

Rather than dampen the morale of the visitors, the second goal brought out the best in them as the tormentor in chief, Worgu and his compatriot Kelechi Osunwo combined beautifully to keep pressure on the home team.

In the process, Pillars keeper Afelokhai Theophilus had to made series of daring saves to deny the visitors the much desired break through.

The second half saw a typical Nigerian side as Pillars became less adventurous thereby providing ample opportunity for the Sudanese team to take control of proceedings.

After several attempts, a defensive mix up on the side of the home team provided the chance for Al Merreikh to reduce the tally through Jerezi spotting number 22.

Sensing danger, Pillars coach made vital changes as he brought on Ahmed Babyaro and Ogaga Moses to beef up the attack.

However, before the new entrants could settle down for business, the visitors played into the hands of their host by losing defender Musa Etahid to a needless red card.

Down to 10 men, the Sudanese side continued to threaten their opponents until a solo effort by substitute Ogaga in the dying minutes of the match resulted in the third goal that sealed victory for the home team.