Ahmed Musa leads Kano Pillars to 4-3 win over Rangers in Enugu
In a thrilling encounter in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Kano Pillars secured a remarkable 4-3 victory over defending champions Rangers International FC at the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium in Enugu.
The match showcased an impressive performance from Ahmed Musa, the captain of Kano Pillars, who played a pivotal role in his team’s success.
The game began with Kano Pillars demonstrating their intent early on. Rabiu Ali opened the scoring for Pillars with a penalty kick in the 15th minute after Ahmed Musa’s cross was handled by a Rangers defender. This goal marked Ali’s third goal of the season. Following this, Zulkifilu Muhammed doubled the lead in the 28th minute, benefiting from another assist by Musa.
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Ali then scored again from the penalty spot in the 37th minute after Musa was fouled inside the box, bringing his tally to four goals for the season. Just before halftime, Ahmed Musa capped off an outstanding first half by scoring a sensational solo goal in stoppage time, outrunning four defenders to find the back of the net. By this point, Kano Pillars had established a commanding 4-0 lead.
Second Half comeback
Despite being down by four goals at halftime, Rangers International showed resilience and mounted a spirited comeback in the second half. Isaac Saviour scored twice for Rangers in quick succession during the 46th and 59th minutes, reducing the deficit to 4-2. Silas Nenrot added another goal for Rangers in the dying moments of the match (90th minute), making it 4-3.
However, despite their efforts to equalize, Kano Pillars held on to secure all three points as the referee blew for full time amidst heavy rain at the stadium.
This victory was significant for Kano Pillars as it not only marked their first win against Rangers on their home ground but also lifted them into contention within the league standings. Both teams ended up with ten points; however, Kano Pillars ranked higher due to superior goal difference.
Ahmed Musa’s performance was particularly noteworthy as he was involved directly in all four goals scored by his team—two penalties won and one brilliant individual goal—demonstrating his leadership and skill on the pitch, while showcasing both his playmaking abilities and scoring prowess while contributing significantly to his team’s success.
