NPFL: Malachi Ohawume scores late to save Heartland FC blushes against Kano Pillars

Heartland FC and Kano Pillars settled for a score draw as the Nigeria Premier Football League resumed on Saturday at the Aba Township Stadium, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Mustapha Ibrahim had given the Sai Masu Gida side the lead in the first half before Malachi Ohawume restored parity for the Naze Millionaires.

After dominating proceedings, the visitors finally broke the deadlock after 29 minutes after play. Mustapha Ibrahim finished off from a cross.

Coach Christian Obi made a double change in the 40th minute bringing in Ohawume, Promise Anyanwu for Onyekachi Okafor and Jenom.

Nothing changed at the end of the half as Pillars go into the dressing room with the slim lead.

In the second half, Leonard came close to putting Heartland level but missed a sitter after a good pass from Christian Molokwu after 15 minutes.

The visitors were down to 10 men after Kano Pillars goalkeeper Muhammad Galadima got sent off for retaliation in the 73rd minute.

The one-man advantage gave the host the impetus to mount pressure for an equaliser.

It finally came at the dead of the encounter as Ohawume's bicycle kick gave Heartland FC a point at home.

Uche Dozie