FA Cup: Kano Pillars knock out Rangers on penalties as Ozoemena saves the day for Enyimba

Rangers International have been knocked out of the President Federation Cup by Kano Pillars while Enyimba struggled pass Warinje FC to qualify on Thursday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

In the star match of the round of 64, the Flying Antelopes fell 6-5 on penalties to the Sai Masu Gida side while the People's Elephant won 7-6 on penalties after both matches ended 1-all after full time.

Umar Mustapha opened score 2 minutes into the game for Pillars at the Bwari Township Stadium, Abuja before Chiedozie Okorie restored parity 7 minutes before half time for the Enugu side.

After a second half without a goal, the encounter went straight to penalties which was won by the Northerners to progress to the tournament's round of 32

For 2023 Nigeria Premier Football League champions, Enyimba, it took the heroics of goalkeeper, Ani Ozoemena for the giants not to be knocked out of the FA Cup by Nigeria National League side, Warinje FC.

The Aba Warlords started brightly at the Kwara Sports Complex, Ilorin, scoring as early as the 4th minute through Desmond Ojietefian, a lead they held till the 80th minutes of the game.

However, the Bauchi side equalised on 81 minute, putting the Aba fans on the edge as the match ended 1-all at full time and moved straight to penalties.

Ozoemena saved 3 penalties and scored the last penalty kick to give Enyimba International a 7-6 win as they qualify to the next round of the President Federation Cup.

By Uche Dozie