The Nigerian League defending ​c​champions, Kano Pillars, defeated opponent, Al-Malaika​,​ at home in an away match played in Juba, South Sudan.

The race to the next round of the tournament started when the home team started displaying skills and dominated the first half which ended in a 0-0 draw.

The first goal was scored by Gambo Mohammed at the 49th minute, while Christian Obiozor scored the second goal of the high tempo encounter at the 68th minute

The match, however, ended 0-2 in favour of Pillars FC.

The return leg will be played next week at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano State