HIL 2024-25: Team Gonasika Claims First Victory Against Hyderabad Toofans
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Rourkela, Jan 4 (NationPress) SV Sunil, Victor Charlet, and Nilam Sanjeep Xess each contributed a goal as Team Gonasika claimed their first victory of the Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25, triumphing over Hyderabad Toofans with a score of 3-1 at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium on Saturday. Sunil initiated the scoring early in the second minute for Team Gonasika, followed by goals from Charlet and Xess in the 33rd and 60th minutes, while Tim Brand (12`) netted the sole goal for the Toofans.
Sunil and Mandeep Singh had previously formed a formidable attacking duo in the 2010s, combining effectively to score crucial goals for India. They demonstrated that synergy once again to give Gonasika an early lead. Lee Morton played a pass to Mandeep, who outmaneuvered his defender and created space. Mandeep showcased his agility and vision with a brilliant pass to Sunil, who tapped it into the unguarded goal.
The Toofans equalized unexpectedly in the 12th minute when Zachary Wallace sent a pass towards the post, with Shilanand Lakra assisting the ball. Both Rajinder Singh and Tim Brand were ready to pounce, and it was Brand who made the decisive touch. Sunil almost restored Gonasika's lead just before halftime, sneaking toward the far post, but goalkeeper Dominic Dixon managed to close the angle, leaving Sunil without a shooting opportunity.
Gonasika believed they had taken the lead in the 22nd minute when Araijeet Singh Hundal intercepted the ball and passed through the Toofans' defense to Timothee Clement. The French forward took a touch before sending the ball past Dixon with a tomahawk shot, but the TV umpire ruled that Clement had used his backstick. The Toofans then had a significant chance to go ahead, with Arshdeep Singh maneuvering in the circle, but the ball skidded across the goal without finding the net.
Team Gonasika could have taken the lead into halftime but for the timely intervention of Devendra Walmiki. Lee Morton received a crossfield diagonal and delivered a cross for fellow Scot Struan Walker, who was positioned at the far post. Walmiki was in the right place to deflect the ball away from Walker.
Gonasika started the second half perfectly, regaining the lead after winning four consecutive penalty corners, with Victor Charlet finally executing a drag flick that found the back of the net in the 33rd minute. The Toofans had several scoring opportunities but failed to capitalize, allowing Gonasika to maintain their lead as the quarter came to a close.
The Toofans created a flurry of chances in the initial minutes of the final quarter but were denied by a robust Gonasika defense. Gonasika's best chance early in the quarter fell to Sunil during a counterattack, but he couldn't get his shot off.
In the 53rd minute, Maico Casella skillfully maneuvered past two defenders to find Wallace, who managed to evade one defender. However, Wallace's touch let him down, allowing Gonasika to clear the ball from their circle.
The Toofans, who had been the most effective team from penalty corners this season with four goals before this match, won their first penalty corner in the 57th minute. Gonzalo Peillat, one of the most lethal drag flickers in the game, saw his attempt blocked by Charlet.
In a desperate bid for an equalizer, the Toofans removed their goalkeeper, but they couldn’t convert their opportunities, as Gonasika sealed the game with a third goal when Nilam Sanjeep Xess tapped the ball into the empty net in the final minute.
