Arshdeep Singh led the Hyderabad Toofans to a 3-1 win over the UP Rudras in the Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2024-25 match on Saturday. He scored twice, in the 28th and 60th minutes. Gonzalo Peillat scored the first goal in the 25th minute. Jobanpreet Singh pulled one back for the Rudras in the 40th minute.

Early Chances and Missed Opportunities

The match started with both teams creating early chances. In the fifth minute, the Hyderabad Toofans earned a penalty corner, but Gonzalo Peillat’s attempt was blocked. The UP Rudras responded with their own penalty corner, as Kane Russell fired a goal-bound flick, only for Mukul Sharma to make a crucial save on the goal-line. Soon after, Akashdeep Singh had a golden opportunity for the Rudras, but he failed to convert in a one-on-one situation, leaving the first quarter goalless.

Peillat and Akashdeep Strike for Toofans

The Hyderabad Toofans broke the deadlock in the 25th minute. Peillat’s powerful dragflick, despite deflecting off James Mazarelo’s glove, found the back of the net to give the Toofans the lead. Just minutes later, in the 28th minute, Akashdeep Singh doubled their advantage with a stunning goal. After intercepting the ball, he weaved past two defenders and finished with a brilliant tomahawk strike to make it 2-0.

Rudras Fight Back with Jobanpreet’s Stunning Goal

Despite the Toofans’ lead, the UP Rudras fought back. In the 40th minute, Jobanpreet Singh pulled one back for the Rudras. After a deflection off Russell’s dragflick, Jobanpreet controlled the ball and unleashed a powerful slapshot that found the net, making it 2-1.

Dixon's Key Save Keeps Toofans Ahead

The Rudras came close to equalizing in the 50th minute. They tried a penalty corner variation, but Tanguy Cosyns’ shot was blocked by Dominic Dixon, who made a fantastic diving save to keep the Toofans in front.

Arshdeep Seals the Win in the Final Minute

With just one minute remaining, Arshdeep Singh sealed the win for Hyderabad. Shilanand Lakra and Zachary Wallace played a neat passing combination before Wallace crossed the ball. Arshdeep was in the right place at the right time to tap it in, making it 3-1 and securing the victory for the Toofans. In the Women’s Hero Hockey India League final, JSW Soorma Hockey Club will face Odisha Warriors at 6:00 PM.