Lobi Stars, Kano Pillars set for Gold Cup final

Kano Pillars beat Niger Tornadoes 3-2 on penaties in the second semi final of the ongoing Gold Cup Preseason Tournament on Friday after a goalless draw in a pusulating encounter played at the Kwara Township Stadium, Ilorin.

Both sides went into the game with hopes of facing already qualified Lobi Stars FC in the final of the 5th edition of the Gold Cup Preseason Tournament.
Niger Tornadoes had the first glaring chance to score the first goal of the game, following a long throw in from Reuben Ogbonnaya but Shamsudeen’s header went unattended to.  

Terkaa Melaai denied another close effort from Adamu Hassan after Nweke Ifeanyi delivered a wonderful cross into the final half.
Kano Pillars continued to mount pressure on Ikon Allah Boys in the second half, Abbah Hamza had a clear chance to score but Terkaa Melaai pulled a  beautiful save.
Minutes later, Niger Tornadoes got an attempt to punish the Sai Masu Gida Boys but Uche Ohusanya wasted a glorious opportunity to bury into an empty net from Wakali Mohammed’s brilliant run.
The penalties shootouts presented Tornadoes with a chance to book the final ticket after Terkaa had saved two  spot kicks but Uche Uhusanya hit the upright to hand Pillars opportunity to win their second Gold Cup Tournament in three years.
Head Coach of Niger Tornadoes, Sola Adewuyi said he is satisfied with his boys, though they missed so many chances to have buried the game before it got to the penalty shoot out but they were very unlucky and have have positives to take home from this competition.
Technical Adviser of Kano Pillars, Ibrahim Musa on the other hand said he isn’t happy because his boys played their worst game of the tournament and they will work on it going into the final of the competition against Lobi Stars FC.