LOCAL CHAMPIONS: Kano Pillars Dumped Again From CAF Champions League

Three-time Nigeria Premier League Champions Kano Pillars has been eliminated from this years CAF Champions League by Moroccan side Moghreb Athletic de Tetouan.  Pillars were 2-1 victors on Saturday in Kano but still crashed out 2-5 on aggregate to the Moroccans.

Pillars dominated the early exchanges at the Sani Abacha Stadium and had gilt-edged opportunities through Ezekiel Mbah and Adamu Hassan.
The hosts were staring down a barrel following a first-leg 0-4 loss to the Moroccans a fortnight ago and they were made to rue missed chances when Moghreb Athletic de Tétouan scored the game’s only goal late in the first half.

Mouhcine Iajour, who scored a hat-trick in the first leg, was the man who practically ensured Pillars’ hopes basically went up in smoke with a neat finish on 33 minutes.
Pillars now had to score six times as well as ensure they kept their fluid-playing opponents at bay at the other end to progress to the second round.

It was always going to prove a difficult ask but Pillars went about the task the right way and were back on level terms 13 minutes after the break through Tony Edjomariegwe.
Moghreb Athletic de Tétouan’s was shown a red card for a second bookable offence midway into the second half but the visitors defended manfully before eventually conceding a second late on.
Rabiu Ali gave Pillars the win but it was purely academic as his lack of celebration exemplified.

The Moroccans saw off the game to close out a truly famous aggregate victory.
Pillars reached the semifinals of the competition in 2009 but have failed to go the distance in their last three appearances in the competition.