HIL 2024-25: Bengal Tigers Edge Out Hyderabad Toofans in Nail-Biter 3-2 Victory
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Rourkela, Dec 29 (NationPress) On the second day of the Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 season, the thrilling action unfolded at the iconic Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, where the match between Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers and Hyderabad Toofans kept everyone on the edge of their seats. Ultimately, it was the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers who triumphed with a score of 3-2, with goals coming from Jugraj Singh (9'), Sukhjeet Singh (20'), and Affan Yousuf (36'). On the other hand, Timothy Daniel (41') and Arthur de Sloover (59') managed to find the net for the Hyderabad Toofans.
After a few minutes of shaking off early-game jitters, the Hyderabad Toofans made a notable attempt on goal when Arshdeep Singh executed a quick circle entry to assist Timothy Daniel, who was well-positioned in front of the goal. Unfortunately for him, he was unable to make contact with the ball, missing a significant chance to take the lead.
However, the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers capitalized on a penalty corner in the 9th minute. A superb injection by Abhishek was expertly converted by Jugraj Singh, who found the top right corner of the net, giving his team a crucial 1-0 lead. Just two minutes before the end of the first half, the Hyderabad Toofans had a golden opportunity to equalize with a penalty corner, but Gonzalo Peillat's dragflick went wide.
Building on their momentum from the opening goal, the Bengal Tigers quickly doubled their advantage in the 20th minute through Sukhjeet Singh. A clever display of stickwork by birthday boy Sebastian Dockier and Abhishek set up the stunning goal.
Only moments later, the Toofans had yet another chance when they were awarded a penalty corner for a foot foul from Pardeep Mor. Although Peillat capitalized on a poor injection by Shilanand Lakra, the shot did not hit the target. In the ensuing scramble for ball possession, the Bengal Tigers conceded a penalty stroke.
Unfortunately for the Toofans, Maico Casella's attempt was brilliantly saved by Jamie Carr, keeping a clean sheet for the Bengal Tigers.
With a solid 2-0 lead at halftime, the Tigers maintained an aggressive approach in the third quarter, following their coach Colin Batch's game plan. They scored a magnificent field goal in the 36th minute through Affan Yousuf, one of India's most talented strikers. Mere seconds later, Timothy Daniel of the Toofans took a brave shot, but Carr's diving save preserved the Tigers' 3-0 lead.
In the 41st minute, the Toofans finally broke the deadlock, thanks to the quick thinking of 16-year-old Rohit Singh Erengbam, who made a swift cross from the left flank to Daniel, who deftly deflected the ball past Carr. This brought the score to 1-3, and the Toofans aimed to mount a comeback in the final quarter. However, the Bengal Tigers remained vigilant in defense.
There were tense moments as the Toofans earned their fifth penalty corner in the 59th minute. A well-executed injection by Talwinder Singh and a fierce dragflick from Peillat found Arthur De Sloover, who skillfully redirected the flick into the net, narrowing the Tigers' lead to 3-2. It was indeed Sloover's impressive stickwork that had led to the Toofans winning the penalty corner.
In the final seconds, the Toofans appealed for another penalty corner, citing a stick foul, but the on-field umpires denied their request, allowing the Bengal Tigers to secure three points.
"We started off very well, and it was crucial to maintain our lead throughout the match. This was our first game, and we are thrilled with our performance," commented Sukhjeet Singh after being named Player of the Match.
