Hyderabad Toofans Secure Third Place with 4–3 Thriller over HIL GC in Hero HIL

Bhubaneswar: Hyderabad Toofans clinched third place in the Men’s Hero Hockey India League (HIL) with a hard-fought 4–3 victory over HIL GC in a high-octane encounter at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium on Monday.

Amandeep Lakra starred for the Toofans with a brace, scoring in the 30th and 53rd minutes, while Nilakanta Sharma (24’) and Jacob Anderson (33’) also found the net. For HIL GC, Sam Ward struck twice in the 14th and 52nd minutes, with Kane Russell (55’) adding another goal. The win helped Hyderabad Toofans maintain their unbeaten record against HIL GC this season.

Hyderabad Toofans began the match on the front foot, enjoying greater possession and controlling the early exchanges. With eight circle entries in the opening quarter, they appeared the more threatening side. Jacob Anderson came close to opening the scoring late in the first quarter but failed to hit the target. Against the run of play, HIL GC struck first when Daragh Walsh set up Sam Ward (14’), who finished clinically to give his side the lead.

Unfazed by the setback, the Toofans continued to press for an equaliser. Amandeep Lakra narrowly missed after his penalty-corner effort hit the post. The breakthrough finally came in the 24th minute, when Nilakanta Sharma unleashed a powerful tomahawk shot past goalkeeper James Mazarelo following a cutback from Zachary Wallace. Moments before halftime, Lakra (30’) converted a penalty corner with a drag flick to put Hyderabad Toofans 2–1 ahead.

The momentum carried into the second half as Hyderabad Toofans extended their lead early in the third quarter. Jacob Anderson (33’) capitalised on a loose ball to make it 3–1, redeeming himself after his earlier miss. HIL GC attempted to mount a comeback but found it difficult to break through a resolute Toofans defence.

HIL GC finally clawed their way back into contention in the 52nd minute, with Sam Ward finishing neatly after receiving a hopeful pass from Tanguy Cosyns. However, the Toofans responded almost immediately as Amandeep Lakra (53’) once again converted from a penalty corner to restore a two-goal cushion. Kane Russell (55’) kept HIL GC’s hopes alive with another penalty-corner goal, but Hyderabad Toofans held firm in the closing minutes to seal a thrilling 4–3 victory.

All matches of the Hero Hockey India League are being broadcast live on Sony Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 3 and DD Sports, and are also live-streamed on Waves and the Hockey India League YouTube channel.