Kano Pillars defeated Niger Tornadoes 4-3 on penalties to win the 2019 AiteoCupFinal at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna on Sunday, reports www.aclsports.com
Regulation time had ended 0-0 before Pillars who are winning the title surprisingly for the first time ever edged the shootout in sudden death after some truly atrocious attempts from players of both sides.
Players of both sides missed gilt-edge chances during the ninety minutes of play but the misses during the shootout were more alarming and one of them – Ayo Adetola’s kick – handed Pillars the title, nine months after they lost to Rangers in Asaba.
Rabiu Ali and Saib Dhosso converted the first spot kicks for Pillars and Tornadoes respectively but both teams missed their next two kicks with particular emphasis on Adamu Hassan (Pillars) and Reuben Ogbonnaya (Tornadoes) who blazed their attempts awfully over the bar.
The kicks stretched to sudden death after Obinna Jacob (Tornadoes) had cancelled out Victor Dennis’ take but the contest was concluded at the first time of asking during the sudden death.
Defender Emmanuel Anyanwu scored for Pillars, firing into the roof of the net before Adetola hit his effort into the skies much to the elation of Pillars fans who subsequently ran onto the pitch in ecstasy.
Pillars will begin their CAF Champions League campaign against Ghana’s Asante Kotoko in a fortnight while Niger Tornadoes, relegated from the top tier league will be in action in the Confederation Cup regardless.
