2014 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions, Kano Pillars on Thursday qualified for the final of the 2017 Gold Cup tournament, a pre-season football tournament which has seven top division sides in attendance.
In the second semi-final game decided at the Kwara State Sports Complex, Ilorin, North Western Nigeria, Pillars were held to a nail-biting goalless contest by AITEO Cup beaten finalists Niger Tornadoes.
In the ensuing spot kicks, the Ibrahim Musa led Pillars won 3-2 with left back Chrisyoung Madaki converting the decisive spot kick.
Kano Pillars legend Rabiu Ali and former Rivers United fullback Ifeanyi Nweke were the other scorers for the Sai Masu Gida while former Enyimba captain Chinedu Udoji and striker Junior Lokosa missed for Pillars.
Just like in October’s AITEO Cup final, Tornadoes only converted two of their kicks, left back Hussain Isah – who converted his kick in Agege – scored as well as Abdullahi Wakili but they came out stuck in the shootout once more.
Pillars will face defending champions Lobi Stars in Sunday’s championship match at the same venue. To reach the final, Lobi had on Tuesday defeated another NPFL side Katsina United 1-0 courtesy of midfielder Ayo Saka’s first half winner.
