By Taye Hassan Adigun – Kano
Jigawa Golden Stars secured a spot in the 2019 Ahlan Cup preseason tournament after forcing out Plateau United 5-4 on a penalty shoot-out.
The giant Killers defeated more experience Plateau United after 1-1 draw in the normal regulation time to book their semi-final slot for the first time.
Jigawa Golden Stars find the back of the net when Emeka Obiora wiped in Bilal’s cross in 6th minute of the encounter, Plateau United quickly shrugged off the goal deficit 5th minute later, Plateau United captain heads in Mike Zaruma’s sublime cross from close range to level the scores.
Plateau United continue to pile pressure on the giant killers towards the end of the first half, Oche Salefu a wall of white shirts formed a blockade on their 18-yard line as United press for a second goal before half time. Ibrahim Mustapha smacked Babawo’s lofty cross off the bar and Oche Salefu should have scored a cut back with five minutes remaining but the score remained at 1-1.
The giant killers continued to mount a blockade on their defence line, as Plateau United speed up the tempo, Ibrahim Mustapha failed to capitalize on the miss-up to beat onrushing Bamidele Adeniyi on the firing line.
Jigawa Golden Stars almost find the back of the net late in the second half, Andrew Ikefe heads off Ibrahim Saleh’s cross on the byline. The match ended 1-1 which paved way for a penalty shoot-out.
Jigawa Golden Stars Bamidele Adeniyi was the hero of the day as he saved Ibrahim Mustapha’s low shot from the spot. The match ended 5-4 on a penalty.
Jigawa Golden Stars advances to the semi-final for the first time in the history of the Dutse based club.
