Bhubaneswar, Jan 23 (NationPress) Shilanand Lakra (16', 39') was the standout player, scoring a remarkable brace that led the Hyderabad Toofans to a 2-0 victory over HIL GC in their Men’s Hockey India League (HIL) Playoff match, securing their place in Qualifier 2. This thrilling encounter took place at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Friday.

The match began energetically, yet neither team was able to find the back of the net in the first quarter. Hyderabad Toofans earned a penalty corner early on, but failed to capitalize. Shortly after, Sam Ward from HIL GC made a near miss, as his deflection was expertly saved by Toofans' goalkeeper Jean Paul Danneberg. In the 12th minute, Rohit Singh Irengbam nearly opened the scoring, but a heroic clearance from Surender Kumar kept the game level.

Hyderabad Toofans finally broke the deadlock in the 16th minute when Shilanand Lakra skillfully maneuvered the ball into the net after a fortunate deflection. As the Toofans pressed forward, HIL GC maintained poise, holding onto possession while waiting for scoring opportunities.

In the 24th minute, HIL GC was awarded a penalty corner, with Kane Russell executing a powerful drag flick. However, Arthur De Sloover made an outstanding save on the line, preserving the Toofans' lead as they entered halftime with a narrow margin.

As the third quarter unfolded, Hyderabad Toofans relentlessly pressured HIL GC, generating several promising chances, but HIL's defense, led by goalkeeper James Mazarelo, proved tough to crack. In the 39th minute, a penalty corner was awarded to the Toofans.

Amandeep Lakra took the shot, and although Mazarelo managed to make a great save, Shilanand Lakra was quick to react, scoring on the rebound to extend the Toofans' lead. Just before the end of the third quarter, HIL GC earned consecutive penalty corners, but De Sloover continued his heroics, maintaining the two-goal advantage for Hyderabad.

In the 53rd minute, the Toofans were awarded a penalty stroke, but Zachary Wallace's attempt was brilliantly saved by Mazarelo. With under five minutes remaining, HIL GC opted to replace their goalkeeper with an outfield player in a desperate attempt for goals.

HIL GC earned a penalty corner in the 56th minute, where Kane Russell attempted another shot but was once again thwarted by De Sloover. The final minutes saw HIL GC give their all, but the Toofans displayed exceptional resolve to keep a clean sheet and move forward in the tournament.

The Hyderabad Toofans will compete in Qualifier 2 on Sunday (January 25), while HIL GC will face off in the 34th place match for the bronze medal on Monday (January 26).