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Mahanaim FC on Tuesday evening defeated 4 times Nigerian Premier League champions Kano Pillars, in a friendly match, as the Sai Masu Gida team put finishing touches to their preparation ahead of the start of the NPFL this weekend.

Pillars requested to play Mahanaim after watching the Hot Boys in a match against AIB on Sunday night. The game between Mahanaim and Kano Pillars at the Turf Arena mini stadium in Central Area, drew hundreds of crowd who came to watch exciting young talents of Mahanaim FC go toe-to-toe with established super stars such as former Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa, Rabiu Ali and Sodiq Ismail, all of whom have represented the Nigeria senior men's national team.

The match kicked off at few minutes past 4pm under a beautiful weather as both teams delivered amazing football that impressed the fans. Mahanaim FC started out all attacking from the start of the game and quickly found themselves with decent chances to score in the opening 5 minutes through Abdullahi Dahiru and Emmanuel Odenigbo but their shots from the edge of the 18-yard box wasn't strong enough to hurt the opponents.

Mahanaim opened scoring afterwards, following several persistent pressing which eventually forced Kano Pillars backline to concede a chance which was punished by striker Kingsley Michael who led the line for Mahanaim, in the 16th minute.

Pillars drew level in the 34th minute, from corner-kick. Rabiu Ali played a corner to the first post of Mahanaim which wasn't well dealt with, thus creating a mix up for the Mahanaim defenders, as player No 12 of pillars bundled home the equaliser.

Pillars thereon had a larger share of the ball, using their experience and ball management. However, despite having control of the game, Mahanaim's defence stood solid and contained all attempts until half-time break.

After receiving pep talks during the break, Mahanaim came back rejuvenated and better organised in the second half. The Hot Boys took charge of the midfield and created chances to go ahead. Substitute Osama Shuiabu almost put Mahanaim ahead with his first touch after getting on the end of a beautiful cross from Ilyasu Idris but his shot from close range was expertly parried away by Kano Pillars goalkeeper.

Pillars then had a player sent off for a reckless high foot challenge on Ikoh Danjuma in the 60th minute, giving Mahanaim a numerical advantage. The Hot Boys quickly made them pay for it, after breaking down their defence from the left wing, Captain Ilyasu Idris who was well positioned on the edge of the box received the ball unchallenged, as he unleashed a thunderous strike which left the goalkeeper no chance to give Mahanaim the second goal.

Yusuf Adigun would have gotten himself on the score sheet but the skilful winger attempted to take on too many defenders, therefore missing two opportunities to wrap up the game. He was however the provider of the third goal when he helped Mahanaim perfect a transitional attack in the 83rd minute, taking on a man before releasing a well weighted pass to Kingsley Michael who rounded the goalkeeper to tuck in the third goal for Mahanaim FC.

Fans who came out to watch the game got value for their time at full-time as both teams showed respect and bowed out.