HIL 2024-25: Hyderabad Toofans Defeat Soorma Club 3-1 to Reach Final
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Synopsis
In a remarkable semifinal, the Hyderabad Toofans triumphed over JSW Soorma Hockey Club with a 3-1 victory, securing their place in the Hockey India League 2024-25 final. They will face Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers for the championship title this Saturday.
Key Takeaways
- Hyderabad Toofans showcased exceptional skill.
- They scored three goals with a strong offensive performance.
- Bikramjit Singh made crucial saves throughout the match.
- Soorma Club struggled to convert penalty corners into goals.
- Toofans will face Bengal Tigers in the final.
Rourkela, Jan 31 (NationPress) The Hyderabad Toofans showcased their best performance of the season, defeating JSW Soorma Hockey Club with a score of 3-1 to advance to the final of the Hockey India League 2024-25 at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium here on Friday. The Hyderabad Toofans will compete against Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers for the championship on Saturday.
In a thrilling semifinal match, the Hyderabad Toofans took the lead with a goal from Amandeep Lakra in the 25th minute. Jacob Anderson (35') and Nilakanta Sharma (43') added two more goals, while Jeremy Hayward (60’) scored a late consolation goal for Soorma.
The Toofans initially earned a penalty corner in the eighth minute thanks to Talwinder Singh. Gonzalo Peillat tried a variation on the penalty corner, but Talwinder was unable to connect in time.
Creating opportunities with ease, Mukul Sharma and Tim Brand combined shortly after, with Mukul delivering a great cross that Brand attempted to deflect, only to be denied by Vincent Vanasch’s excellent positioning.
Despite a strong start, Soorma Hockey Club found their chance when they earned a penalty with just 11 seconds left in the first quarter. Their captain Harmanpreet Singh executed a swerving drag-flick, but Bikramjit Singh made a remarkable block.
In the second quarter, Vanasch was called into action again, saving a shot from Peillat. On the other end, Nicolas Keenan created a chance for Gurjant, who unfortunately could not convert.
The Toofans broke the deadlock in the 25th minute when Amandeep Lakra scored with a powerful strike, gaining a vital lead. Soorma had another penalty corner in the closing minute of the second quarter, but Dominic Dixon made crucial saves, ensuring a 1-0 lead for Toofans at halftime.
Dominating the third quarter, Toofans almost doubled their lead in the 32nd minute, but Rajinder Singh’s shot went off target.
In the 35th minute, Toofans succeeded in scoring again after brilliant teamwork. Arthur De Sloover intercepted an aerial ball and set up Jacob Anderson to score, giving Toofans a 2-0 lead.
Facing mounting pressure, Soorma attempted several circle penetrations and earned multiple penalty corners, but could not find the net. A quick counter-attack by Toofans resulted in their third goal by Nilakanta in the 43rd minute, marking his entry as the 11th player to score this season.
Bikramjit continued to shine, making a double save in the 49th minute and another incredible dive to stop Hayward’s strike in the 56th minute.
Despite winning more penalty corners towards the end, Soorma could only manage a goal from Hayward in the final minute, resulting in a 3-1 triumph for the Hyderabad Toofans.
The Hyderabad Toofans now prepare to face Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers for the title, while JSW Soorma Hockey Club will play against the Tamil Nadu Dragons in the third-place match on Saturday.
