Kano Pillars FC head coach, Ahmed Garba Yaro Yaro, remains optimistic about his team's chances of securing a continental ticket despite their 2-1 loss to Plateau United in Jos. The defeat on Matchday 30 of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season was a setback, but the coach believes fair officiating will give his team a fair chance in the race for a top-three finish.
The Sai Masu Gida started the game brightly, taking the lead in the 30th minute through Jerry Alex. The young forward finished off a well-delivered free kick from club legend Rabiu Ali, marking his second goal of the season. Pillars looked in control for much of the first half, dictating possession and creating chances.
However, the hosts responded strongly in the second half, drawing level in the 60th minute. A long throw-in from Plateau United's set-piece specialist, Daniel Itodo, led to confusion in the Kano Pillars' box, allowing the home side to capitalize. The equalizer shifted momentum, putting the visitors under pressure.
The decisive moment came late in the game when Saka Gafar took advantage of a defensive lapse to score the winner for Plateau United. A momentary loss of concentration from the Kano Pillars’ backline proved costly, as Gafar's strike sealed all three points for the hosts.
Reacting to the result, Coach Yaro Yaro expressed disappointment over the defeat, highlighting his team's control of the game. He lamented the missed opportunities and defensive errors but remained hopeful about their continental ambitions.
"It was a painful defeat, especially considering how well we controlled the game from start to finish," Yaro Yaro said. "However, with the current fair performance of match officials, I am still confident that we can secure one of the three continental slots by the end of the season."
Defensive issues have been a concern for Kano Pillars in recent matches, and the coach acknowledged the need for improvements. He pointed out the absence of key defender Rashid as a factor in their struggles at the back but assured fans that corrective measures would be taken.
"We missed an important player, Rashid, for this game, and that forced us to make some late changes," he explained. "However, we will work hard to address our defensive concerns and make the necessary adjustments ahead of our upcoming fixtures."
Kano Pillars will now shift focus to their next game against Bendel Insurance on Matchday 31. The match, scheduled for Wednesday at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata, presents an opportunity for the team to bounce back and keep their continental hopes alive.
With the NPFL season entering its crucial phase, every point matters in the race for the top three. Yaro Yaro and his team will be eager to return to winning ways and strengthen their push for a place in next season's CAF club competitions.
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