The Hyderabad Toofans delivered their best performance of the season, defeating JSW Soorma Hockey Club 3-1 at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela. As a result, they have secured a spot in the Hero Hockey India League 2024-25 final, where they will face Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers on Saturday.
Toofans Take Early Control
The Toofans started strong by earning the first penalty corner in the eighth minute. Gonzalo Peillat passed it to Talwinder Singh, but Talwinder couldn’t connect in time. Shortly after, in the 10th minute, Mukul Sharma sent a cross to Tim Brand, who deflected it toward goal. However, Soorma’s goalkeeper, Vincent Vanasch, was well-positioned to make the save.
Soorma’s Penalty Corner Blocked
Soorma then had a chance late in the first quarter when they won a penalty corner with 11 seconds left. Harmanpreet Singh took a dragflick, but Bikramjit Singh came up big with a brilliant block, keeping the score at 0-0.
Toofans Break the Deadlock
In the second quarter, the Toofans continued their pressure and finally found the breakthrough in the 25th minute. Amandeep Lakra scored with a powerful shot that beat Vanasch, giving the Toofans a 1-0 lead. Just before halftime, Dominic Dixon made two crucial saves to preserve their advantage.
Toofans Extend Their Lead
The Toofans didn’t let up in the third quarter. In the 32nd minute, they almost doubled their lead when Rajinder Singh’s shot went wide. However, in the 35th minute, Jacob Anderson scored after a perfect pass from Nilakanta Sharma, giving the Toofans a 2-0 lead.
Toofans Capitalize on Counter-Attack
Despite Soorma’s efforts to fight back, they struggled to get past the Toofans’ defense. The Toofans capitalized on a quick counter-attack in the 43rd minute, with Nilakanta Sharma scoring their third goal to make it 3-0.
Bikramjit’s Crucial Saves
Throughout the match, Bikramjit Singh played a key role in maintaining the lead. In the 49th minute, he made a double save, blocking two shots in quick succession. Again, in the 56th minute, he dived to his right to stop a powerful shot from Jeremy Hayward. Soorma managed to score a goal in the final minute, but it was too little, too late. The Toofans won 3-1.
Overall, the Hyderabad Toofans showed great strength and focus, securing a 3-1 victory. They will now face Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers in the Hero Hockey India League final.
