Facing a do-or-die situation, Hyderabad Toofans delivered when it mattered most. They edged past HIL GC 3-2 in their final league stage match of the Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2025-26 on Tuesday at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium.
Zachary Wallace, Amandeep Lakra and Shilanand Lakra scored for Hyderabad. Kane Russell stood out for HIL GC with two goals, but his efforts were not enough to prevent defeat.
Early exchanges and quick goals
HIL GC began the match on the front foot and enjoyed more possession in the opening minutes. However, Hyderabad struck first against the flow of play.
From a penalty corner, Zachary Wallace (6’) got a decisive deflection that slipped past goalkeeper James Mazarelo to give the Toofans the lead.
The response from HIL GC was swift. Just two minutes later, Kane Russell (8’) converted a penalty corner with a powerful dragflick to restore parity.
Toofans respond with resilience
The must-win nature of the contest brought out Hyderabad’s fighting spirit. Almost immediately after conceding, they earned another penalty corner.
Amandeep Lakra (8’) made no mistake, firing a dragflick past the keeper to put Hyderabad back in front. The first quarter ended with the Toofans holding a 2-1 lead after an intense start.
Pressure pays off before halftime
Hyderabad continued to attack in the second quarter and forced Mazarelo into several saves. Their sustained pressure finally paid dividends late in the half.
Shilanand Lakra (27’) scored from close range to extend the Toofans’ lead to 3-1. Despite trailing by two goals, HIL GC did not sit back. They created chances consistently and remained a threat going forward throughout the first half.
Russell strikes again after the break
HIL GC made a strong start to the second half. Kane Russell (31’) once again stepped up from a penalty corner and completed his brace with another well-executed dragflick.
The goal reduced the deficit to just one, setting up a tense contest. Both teams showed attacking intent as they searched for more goals, but neither side could convert their chances.
Strong defence seals crucial points
In the final quarter, HIL GC pushed hard for an equaliser. They registered 18 circle entries and kept the pressure on the Hyderabad defence.
However, the Toofans stood firm. Their disciplined and organised defending denied HIL GC any clear opening and ensured they held on to the 3-2 lead until the final whistle.
Points table impact
With this vital win in their last league match, Hyderabad Toofans moved up to third place on the points table and kept their tournament hopes alive. HIL GC, meanwhile, slipped to fourth position after the defeat.