Ibrahim strike powers Sai Masu Gida to second

Kano Pillars moved up to second place in the Nigeria Premier Football League after Yahaya Ibrahim scored in the 75th minute to beat 10-man Ranchers Bees 1-0 at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Saturday.

Both sides failed to score in a goalless first half, despite creating several chances. Everything changed in the 63rd minute, when Mohammed Rabiu Zulkifilu was sent off for Ranchers Bees.

Pillars made their extra man count, and Ibrahim scored the only goal 12 minutes later.

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The Sai Masu Gida had arrived on 19 points from 12 matches, fifth in the table and known for turning hard-fought stalemates into draws, with seven draws and only one defeat. The win took them to 22 points from 13 matches, with five wins, and lifted them into second place, two points behind leaders Rangers, who have played two games fewer.

Ranchers Bees were looking to build on their 1-0 win over Enyimba last weekend. They had hoped to cause an upset in the Northern derby, but the red card ended that plan. They remain 16th on 12 points from 12 matches, level with Kwara United.

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