By Ademetan Abayomi
Jigawa Golden Stars reached the semi finals of the Ahlan Cup 2019 after eliminating Plateau United 4-5 on penalties at the Kano Pillars Stadium on Sunday.
Both sides after brilliant exchanges in a regulation time that ended 1-1 had to decide the game via the dreaded penalty spot.
Emeka Obiora brilliantly volleyed home to draw the curtain raiser in the sixth minute for the Giant Killers.
Charles Henlong levelled matters for the Peace Boys as he headed home a sexy cross from Mike Zaruma.
Coach Abdu Maikaba named a strong side featuring Mike Zaruma, Oche Salefu, Amos Gyang, Charles Henlong, Gabriel Wassa, Michael Ibe and Chinedu Anozie.
The Giant Killers expressed attacking intent in the opening minutes and scored through Obiora.
In one of those explosive bursts, Zaruma sent a measured cross to Henlong who headed home for the equaliser.
Plateau United warmed themselves into the game and created some worrying moments for the Jigawa backline. Oche Salefu and Gyang both came close.
The outstanding player of the first half was defender Zaruma whose skillful bursts was a big obstacle for Ibrahim Saleh.
After the interval, Kingsley Innocent was flowing with his electrifying pace to create problems for the Plateau lateral defence.
None of the two sides was able to claim the winner until the regulation minutes petered out.
The Giant Killers won the shoot-outs 4-5 on penalties to set a date with Elkanemi Warriors/Sokoto United in the semi final on Tuesday.
