Hyderabad Toofans claimed third place in the Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2025-26 after defeating HIL GC 4-3 in an entertaining match on Monday. The playoff encounter took place at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium and delivered end-to-end action.

Amandeep Lakra led the charge with two goals, while Nilakanta Sharma and Jacob Anderson also found the net. For HIL GC, Sam Ward scored twice and Kane Russell added another, but it was not enough to overturn the Toofans’ lead. The result also helped Hyderabad maintain their perfect record against HIL GC this season.

Strong start but HIL GC strike first

Hyderabad Toofans started the match with confidence and control. They dominated possession and created several chances early on. The team made eight circle entries in the first quarter and looked close to scoring.

Jacob Anderson had the best chance late in the opening quarter, but the Australian failed to hit the target. Against the flow of play, HIL GC took the lead soon after. Daragh Walsh made a sharp run down the left flank and set up Sam Ward, who scored in the 14th minute to put HIL GC ahead.

Toofans respond with quick goals before break

The early setback did not slow Hyderabad down. They continued to push forward in search of an equaliser. Amandeep Lakra came close from a penalty corner when his shot struck the post.

The equaliser finally arrived in the 24th minute. Zachary Wallace’s cutback found Nilakanta Sharma, who smashed a powerful tomahawk past goalkeeper James Mazarelo. Riding on that momentum, the Toofans took the lead just before half-time. Lakra converted a penalty corner in the 30th minute, giving his team a 2-1 advantage at the break.

Anderson extends lead after half-time

Hyderabad Toofans began the second half strongly. In the 33rd minute, a loose ball inside the circle fell to Jacob Anderson. Making up for his earlier miss, he finished calmly from close range to make it 3-1.

HIL GC tried to respond and created a few chances of their own. However, the Toofans’ defence stood firm through the third quarter and did not allow a breakthrough.

Late drama but Toofans hold on

HIL GC finally found a way back into the contest in the 52nd minute. A hopeful ball from Tanguy Cosyns reached Sam Ward, who showed good skill to tap it past the goalkeeper.

The response from Hyderabad was immediate. Just a minute later, Lakra once again converted from a penalty corner to restore a two-goal cushion and complete his brace. HIL GC refused to give up and pulled another goal back when Kane Russell scored from a penalty corner in the 55th minute.

Despite late pressure, Hyderabad Toofans stayed composed in defence. They closed out the game efficiently and secured a 4-3 win to finish third in the Hero Hockey India League.