Hyderabad Toofans celebrating victory. Photo: HIL Hyderabad Toofans celebrating victory. Photo: HIL

Hyderabad Toofans beat Soorma Hockey Club 1 - 1 (4 - 3 SO) in penalty shootouts in the Hero Hockey India League 2024-25 at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela on Saturday, 11 January. (Highlights | Hockey News)

Nicolas Della Torre (8’) powered Soorma Hockey Club into the lead in the first quarter but Amandeep Lakra (40’) pulled the Hyderabad Toofans back onto level terms with a fierce drag flick. And Dominic Dixson’s heroics in sudden death secured the bonus point for Hyderabad Toofans.

Hyderabad Toofans started the game with high pressing, making it difficult for Soorma Hockey Club to move the ball. An early chance for Shilanand Lakra went well over the goal.

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However, Soorma found their rhythm as the first quarter progressed, with Torre leading a brilliant run to earn a penalty corner. He stepped up to score, giving Soorma a 1-0 lead. Despite a few chances, Hyderabad couldn’t convert in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Hyderabad increased the pressure but Soorma counter-attacked effectively. Arshdeep nearly scored from a loose ball but couldn’t get past goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch. Hyderabad continued to create circle entries but Soorma’s defense held strong, ending the first half with Soorma still leading 1-0.

Both teams reduced the pace of the game to create a clear chance as the third quarter began and the first opportunity was created by Toofans as Shilanand Lakra picked up the ball on the left wing and found Jacob Anderson but his close range shot was just wide of the post.

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Soorma earned a penalty corner halfway through the quarter but Harmanpreet’s drag flick was wide of the mark. However, Hyderabad Toofans went on to earn a penalty corner of their own soon after and Lakra picked out the left corner of the goal with a powerful flick to equalise.

The last quarter saw Hyderabad Toofans take the initiative and earn a penalty corner within five minutes but they failed to create a goalscoring chance from their variation. They went on to create multiple opportunities through Arthur De Sloover and Zach Wallace but the Soorma defence held firm and earned a penalty corner with five seconds to go for the final whistle but were unable to capitalise and the match headed to penalty shootouts.

Zach Wallace scored for Hyderabad Toofans in sudden death and goalkeeper Dominic Dixson saved Nicolas Poncelet’s attempt to secure the bonus point for Hyderabad Toofans.  goc (game of chance)