Kano Pillars had their goalkeeper, David Obiozo, to thank as they booked their place in the final of the 2018 Aiteo Cup following their 4-1 shootout victory against Katsina United after the game ended 2-2 in regulation time.
Obiozo saved two of Katsina’s spot kicks to earn his side a spot in the 2018 final of the Nigerian FA Cup.
Two goals from either half, first an unfortunate own goal from Chinedu Ajanah, and then, a stunning effort from over 20 yards out by Nzube Anaezemba, gave Sai Masu Gida a comfortable 2-0 advantage.
Katsina United would mount an incredible fight back as goals from Timothy Danladi, whose penalty was initially saved by Obiozo before he scored the rebound, and a thumbing header from Ajanah, who made up for his earlier mistake, saw the Changi Boys level.
With the shootout beckoning, Pillars had a penalty appeal waved aside in controversial circumstance after United defender, Yinka Davids appeared to have stopped a superb counter attacking move from them with his hands.
Katsina went on to miss two of their spot kicks, while Pillars expertly converted theirs to seal the win.
It was an entertaining game that saw Pillars survive a scare from their Northwest rivals at the Agege stadium in Lagos.
Pillars will now face Rangers International of Enugu in the final, after the Flying Antelopes came from two goals down to beat Nasarawa United 4-2 in Kano.
