Kano Pillars head coach Ahmed Garba Yaro Yaro remains optimistic that the club will secure a continental ticket despite their 2-1 loss to Plateau United.

The Sai Masu Gida took the lead through Jerry Alex in the 31st minute.

However, Plateau United rallied back to win the matchday 30 encounter with goals from Pam Samuel and Gafar Saka.

Pillars dropped to eighth position on the table following the defeat.

Yaro Yaro described the loss as painful, given his team’s dominance in the game.

“It was a painful defeat, especially considering how well we controlled the game from start to finish,” he was quoted as saying by the club’s media.

“However, with the current fair performance of match officials, I am still confident that we can secure one of the three continental slots by the end of the season.”