Team Gonasika secured a 2-1 victory over Soorma Hockey Club at Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela on Tuesday. This win gave Gonasika their second in the Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2024-25 season, keeping their semi-final hopes alive. Nilam Sanjeep Xess (33’) and Lee Morton (59’) scored for Gonasika, while Pawan Rajbhar netted Soorma’s only goal.
First Quarter: Few Chances, Tense Play
Both teams played cautiously in the first quarter. Gonasika’s Lee Morton got a chance after Mandeep Singh’s pass, but Mohith HS saved the shot. Shortly after, Soorma earned a penalty corner. However, Nicolas della Torre’s attempt was blocked by Gonasika’s Yashdeep Siwach. In the final minute, Gonasika had a penalty corner of their own, but Victor Charlet’s drag flick was saved by Mohith.
Second Quarter: No Breakthrough
The second quarter followed a similar pattern, with no goals. Gonasika’s Timothee Clement came closest to scoring but missed the target after a pass from Morton. Both teams failed to find the net, and the match remained 0-0 at halftime.
Gonasika Breaks the Deadlock
After the break, Gonasika broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute. Mandeep Singh held the ball in the circle before passing it to Nilam Sanjeep Xess. Xess attempted to cross it to Araijeet Singh Hundal, but the ball deflected off a Soorma defender’s stick and went into the goal, giving Gonasika a 1-0 lead.
Soorma Responds with Equalizer
Soorma quickly responded in the 49th minute. Pawan Rajbhar showcased his poaching skills by pouncing on a quick free hit from Nicolas Keenan. He poked the ball past goalkeeper Oliver Payne, leveling the score at 1-1.
Final Moments: Gonasika Clinches the Win
In the final five minutes, both teams pushed hard for a winner. Soorma missed a golden opportunity when Gurjant Singh shot high over the goal after a brilliant pass from Boris Burkhardt. At the other end, Morton took a long-range shot, but Mohith saved it. Then, in the 59th minute, Morton curled the ball past Mohith to give Gonasika a 2-1 lead. Soorma, already down to 10 players due to a green card, pulled Mohith for an extra outfield player. However, Gonasika held on to their lead and clinched the victory.
After the win, Gonasika stays in seventh place with seven points, while Soorma remains in fifth place with eight points.
