Guardian

KANO Pillars Wednesday regained top spot on the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) table when it defeated hard-fighting Kaduna United 3-2 in a Week 14 game loitered with controversial decisions.

The shock result of the evening, however, was recorded in Katsina Ala, where Kwara United beat home team, Lobi Stars, 1-0.

Pillars are now on 25 points from 13 games and occupy the top position in place of Heartland, which lost to Sunshine Stars by 2-1.

Pillars first hit the target through Rabiu Ali barely a minute into the game, but Tijani Adamu equalised for Kaduna United in the 12th minute.

Kaduna United took the lead in the 51st minute through Michael Anthony, before Kabiru Umar equalised four minutes later and got the winner in the 90th minute through a highly disputed penalty.

After the game, an angry Kaduna United Coach, Ben Duamlong accused the referee of giving the game to Pillars through a dubious penalty.

According to Duamlong, “we did everything to get something from the game, but we lost the game through a third goal manufactured for Pillars in added time.”

To Kano Pillars Coach, Mohammed Babaganaru, the defending champions nearly paid the price for under-rating Kaduna United.

According to Babaganaru, “my boys relaxed after scoring so early in the game. They did not expect the kind of fight they got from Kaduna United, but we rallied to win the game.”

In the other games played Wednesday, Wikki Tourists defeated Warri Wolves 2-1, while Akwa United beat Enyimba 1-0.

Dolphins beat Gombe United 1-0 in Port Harcourt, 3SC defeated Nasarawa United 2-0, while ABS dispatched Rangers 2-1.

Sunshine Stars won their battle with Heartland 2-1, just as Bayelsa United beat neighbours, Nembe City, 2-0.