Ahlan cup : Nnaji strikes late to deny Pillars victory.

Ahlan cup : Nnaji strikes late to deny Pillars victory. Oluchi Tobex Tobe-chukwu. Kano pillars and Delta Force of Asaba settled for a goal a piece in the opening match of the Ahlan cup. It is the 2nd edition of the Ahlan preseason tournament , the match was played in the traditional Sanni Abacha Stadium, Kofor mata. Kano pillars started on a high note as they showed good mobility and cohesion amongst themselves. Veteran striker Gambo Mohammed and Rabiu Ali missed a flurry of chances as the pressure intensified. The defence of Delta force caved in on the dot of 45th min as a fluid combination of passes amongst Gambo Mohammed, Rabiu Ali and Nwangwa Nyima resulted in a goal. It was a beautiful way to signal the end of the half by Nwangwa' strike. The second half ironically saw a more composed and improved Delta Force even with junior lokosa's introduction for pillars and Chris Madaki' purposeful runs that was adequately check mated by the Delta force defence. The introduction of Ebuka Nnaji by coach Agbo of Delta force proved a wise decision as one of his many runs from the right flank paid off in the 79th min. He made his goal look so effortlessly as he dissected pillars defence and cooly sloted the equalizer for the grateful Delta side. The scoreline remained so especially as both sides showed no ambition to increase the tally. Coach Chukwuma Agbo was full of praise for his boys as he told tobexSports "This is the 18th match I would go unbeaten since I joined Delta force this past season. I came in from Rangers to save Delta force from relegation and with the corporation of my boys turned them to champion only behind Remo stars in our group in the NNL" He further stated that he is popularly known as 'no panic ' and he has lived up to his name. Matches continue on Sunday as two matches will be played at the Sanni Abacha stadium while cynosure FC will tackle yobe dessert at the Kano Pillars stadium by 2pm.