Kano Pillars and Barau FC continued their strong run in the NPFL after beating Ranchers Bees and drawing with Doma United, respectively, www.aclsports.com reports.
Sai Masu Gida defeated Ranchers Bees 1-0 at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano, while Barau FC held Doma United to a goalless draw at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe.
Kano Pillars needed a late penalty from Ibrahim Yahaya to fend off a stubborn Bees side in Kano. The penalty propelled Daniel Ogunmodede’s side to another win and clean sheet on home soil, extending their unbeaten run to five games. By virtue of the win, Sai Masu Gida moved into second spot ahead of the remaining matches of the matchday.
In Gombe, the behind-closed-doors game ended with the two sides sharing the spoils after 90 minutes of intense, end-to-end football.
A game Barau FC could have won in the 82nd minute when substitute Al-Amin Umar found himself completely unmarked inside the Doma danger zone with time and space, but in a moment of dramatic reprieve for the hosts, he blasted his effort high over the crossbar.
On the other hand, Doma United could have snatched all three points also, but Barau goalkeeper Emeka Nwabulu pulled off a breathtaking double save in the dying seconds to deny the hosts. Deep into stoppage time as well, a retreating Barau FC defender bravely threw his body in the way to block a goal-bound effort, securing another point on the road for the Maliya Boys.
Barau FC, who moved into fourth place temporarily, made it six games without a defeat, though they have won just one game in that run.
Earlier on Friday, Shooting Stars edged Bendel Insurance in a dramatic contest, while the remaining matches of the matchday will be decided on Sunday.
