Rourkela: The Vedanta Kalinga Lancers clinched their second consecutive victory of the Hero Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 season, defeating Team Gonasika 2-1 in a closely contested match at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium on Thursday. Goals from Antoine Kina (28) and captain Aran Zalewski (33) secured the win for the Lancers, while SV Sunil (14`) netted the lone goal for Gonasika.
Team Gonasika started strong, controlling possession and creating the first significant chance of the game. SV Sunil capitalized on a well-worked free hit in the 14th minute, sweeping Jack Waller’s assist past Krishan Bahadur Pathak to give Gonasika a 1-0 lead. Despite opportunities for Araijeet Singh Hundal to double the advantage, Gonasika failed to extend their lead.
The Lancers struggled to find their rhythm early on, with a penalty corner drag flick from Alexander Hendrickx missing the target. In the 23rd minute, Antoine Kina set up Nicolas Bandurak for what seemed to be the equalizer, only for the goal to be controversially disallowed. Umpire Coen van Bunge ruled that Kina had committed a foul in the buildup, despite the TV umpire finding no evidence to support the decision.
Undeterred, the Lancers struck back in the 28th minute. Kina pounced on a defensive error to unleash a powerful shot that flew past goalkeeper Oliver Payne, restoring parity just before halftime.
The momentum shifted decisively in the Lancers’ favor in the second half. Captain Aran Zalewski delivered a decisive goal in the 33rd minute, deflecting Hendrickx’s pass into the net. The play was aided by a crowded circle that impeded Payne’s vision, allowing the ball to sneak through.
The final quarter saw Gonasika ramp up the pressure in search of an equalizer. Struan Walker’s penalty corner attempt in the 43rd minute was thwarted by Pathak, and the Lancers’ defense held firm despite relentless attacks.
The Lancers nearly extended their lead in the 53rd minute, but Dilpreet Singh missed a golden opportunity set up by Angad Bir Singh’s dazzling 3D skills. Payne’s quick reaction forced Dilpreet to scoop his shot wide, leaving the match delicately poised until the final whistle.
With this hard-fought victory, the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers climbed to third place in the league standings with seven points. Team Gonasika, despite their spirited performance, remain in seventh place with four points.
The Lancers’ resolute defense and ability to capitalize on key moments have set the stage for a promising season as they continue to build momentum in the Hero Hockey India League.