Akwa Utd suffer Ahlan Cup defeat, set to begin NPFL invitational today
Rabiu Ali inspired Kano Pillars to victory over Akwa United in the final of the Ahlan Pre-season tournament in Kano on Sunday.
Pillars Captain scored twice and Junior Lokosa also scored as they recorded an emphatic 3-0 win over the Promise Keepers.
The win ensure Kano Pillars are the winners of the maiden edition of the Ahlan Cup tournament.
Akwa United and Kano Pillars went into the final match with full confidence after progressing unbeaten from the preliminary rounds of the tournament.
After a bright start by both teams in the opening moments of the game, Pillars went in front through Rabiu Ali.
Ali benefitted from a defense splitting pass to open scoring in the 13th minute. Junior Lokosa doubled Pillars lead in the 20th minute with a long range strike before Ali completed his brace after a quick counter attack on the stroke of half time.
The second half was fairly balanced and despite both teams making tactical substitutions, the score line however remained unchanged.
Akwa United’s defeat did not reflect the true complexion of the game and Coach Abdu Maikaba congratulated his team after the match despite the defeat.
Akwa United will turn their attention to the Nigeria Professional Football League NPFL Invitational (Supersix) which is scheduled to start on Monday December 11 in Kano.
The Promise Keepers will engage MFM of Lagos on Monday by 5pm at the Sani Abacha Stadium.
