Kano Pillars’ hope of winning the 2020-2021 Nigeria professional football league title suffered a big blow after going down 1-0 to rejuvenated Sunshine Stars in Akure on Sunday.
Sunshine Stars hosted the Sai Masu Gida at the Ondo State Sports Complex for one of the weeks 32 fixtures of the 2020-2021 Nigeria professional football league season.
Coach Deji Ayeni kept faith in the side that delivered big time at Heartland, and the boys got off the blocks real quick, cracking Pillars with incisive chances.
Babatunde Bello was denied a free-kick by Kano Pillars goalkeeper Suraj Ayeleso in the 26th minute.
Ayeleso was called into action again on the 40th minute when he saved Joshua Enaholo saved from Ifegwu Ojuwkwu to the encounter into the break goalless.
Kano Pillars failed to find their rhythm in the second half, unlike Sunshine Stars who resumed with urgency and tenacity.
Leading scorer Sadeeq Yusuf finally grabbed the decisive goal in the 59th minute, when he slotted a low drive past the Sai Masu-Gida’ goalkeeper.
Seven minutes later, Ajani Ibrahim combined well with Yusuf for a chance to double the lead but he went down under a challenge, with the referee unmoved about his penalty appeal.
The Akure landlords however strengthened their hope of beating the drop as they move on to 36 points from 32.
As for Kano Pillars, the defeat was a massive setback to their hope of catching up with Akwa United at the top of the table.
The result leaves them in the fourth position with five points adrift the Promise Keepers.
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