JSW Soorma Hockey Club produced a composed and determined display to defeat table-toppers Vedanta Kalinga Lancers 2-1 in Match 26 of the Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2025–26. The match was played at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium, where the Lancers were featuring in their final league outing.
Despite dominating possession for long periods, the Lancers failed to break down a well-organised Soorma side. The victory kept Soorma’s slim playoff hopes alive. Victor Wegnez was named Player of the Match for his outstanding contribution in both attack and defence.
Cagey opening and early chances
Both teams began cautiously, focusing on defensive solidity during the opening five minutes. The Lancers created the first clear chance in the 6th minute through Henderson, but the Soorma backline dealt with the threat calmly.
Although the Lancers enjoyed more possession, Soorma looked sharp on the counter-attack. They earned the first penalty corner in the 10th minute, but Harmanpreet Singh’s drag-flick missed the target.
The Lancers came close late in the quarter through a penalty corner of their own. However, goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch produced two excellent saves to keep the score level, and the first quarter ended goalless.
Soorma strike before halftime
The second quarter remained tightly contested, with both sides sticking to a disciplined structure. In the 17th minute, Soorma captain Harmanpreet Singh tried to create an opening for Lucas Martinez, but the forward could not apply the finishing touch.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 23rd minute after a spell of sustained passing. Nicolas Keenan made a strong run down the left and tested goalkeeper Snowden. Although the initial shot was saved, Jeetpal reacted quickly to convert the rebound and put Soorma ahead 1-0.
The Lancers grew increasingly frustrated as they searched for an equaliser. Their troubles deepened just before halftime when Dilpreet Singh was shown a 10-minute yellow card, leaving his side a man down.
Tactical brilliance extends Soorma lead
Soorma began the second half with a numerical advantage and immediately went on the attack. They won a penalty corner in the 35th minute, where Krishan Pathak produced a fine save to deny Harmanpreet Singh’s powerful drag-flick.
The pressure continued, and Soorma soon earned a series of penalty corners. In the 38th minute, they executed a clever variation. Instead of going for a direct shot, the ball was slipped to Vivek Sagar Prasad, who finished neatly to double the lead.
The Lancers responded by launching wave after wave of attacks, but Vanasch remained solid in goal and refused to concede.
Late fightback falls short
The intensity increased in the final quarter as the Lancers pushed forward with greater urgency. Their efforts paid off in the 48th minute when Henderson found the net to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
Sensing a possible equaliser, the league leaders raised the tempo further. In the 53rd minute, Marias came close, but his shot drifted narrowly wide.
The closing stages were frantic, with the Lancers committing numbers forward. However, Soorma’s defence held firm. Led by the tireless Victor Wegnez, they absorbed relentless pressure and saw out the match to claim three crucial points.