Gold Cup Pre-season: Pillars too hot for MFM

By Akanni Seyi

Champions Kano Pillars defeated Mountain of Fire FC in a six goals thriller in ljebu Ode.

The Sai Masu Gida team who drew their first game against FC Ebedei took the game to their Nigeria Professional Football League foe and scored their first goal by Adamu Mohammed following a good build-up.

The Kadiri Ikhana led team then doubled their lead after MFM FC goalkeeper gifted Pillars their second goal after he mistimed a cross leaving Pillars ace, Kamalu Al-Hassan to tucked the ball into an open net.

The Olukoya Boys came back strong in the game as they won a penalty and was scored by Austin Ogunye to make it 2-1.

Ex-Supreme Court winger, Mubarak increased Pillars lead after he shot a low drive into the left corner of MFM’s net to make the score line 3-1.

At the clock thicker away, MFM FC were awarded another penalty following a hand ball in the box by a Pillars defender.

Ogunye then converted the spot kick to make 3-2 for his side.

Speaking after the game, coach Baleria thanked his Kano Pillars players for playing to the pattern of their new Technical Adviser, coach Kadiri Ikhana.

“Not taking anything away from MFM FC, they are a good side. They did give us a better fight.

“We played them in the league last season and they showed to us what they are made of.

“For Pillars, it’s still a rebuilding process, and am delighted that both old and new players are beginning to play as a unit.

“We are defending champions of the Gold Cup pre-season tourney and we are here to retain.”

Pillars now lead Group A with 4points and a plus two goals difference of FC Ebedei who are also on 4points followed by MFM FC 3points, Niger Tornadoes and Sunshine Stars are both tied with a point