Hyderabad Toofans celebrate after scoring a goal against Delhi SG Pipers in their Hockey India League match in Rourkela. Photo: Hockey India Hyderabad Toofans celebrate after scoring a goal against Delhi SG Pipers in their Hockey India League match in Rourkela. Photo: Hockey India Hyderabad Toofans began and ended well to come up trumps against Delhi SG Pipers in their Hockey India League 2024-25 fixture in Rourkela on Tuesday, December 31. (Highlights | More Hockey News)
After the match ended 2-2 in regulation time and the penalty shootouts presenting a 4-4 scoreline initially, Toofans had the last laugh in sudden death, holding their nerves to earn the crucial bonus point.
Having made a dream start with two early goals via Amandeep Lakra (11') and Gonzalo Peillat (13'), Toofans squandered the lead to allow Pipers to bounce back in the game and draw 2-2 in full time. It was goals by Dilraj Singh (21') and Gareth Furlong (50') that helped SG Pipers equalise. But Toofans won the shootout 5-4 to claim the extra point.
Riding on their opening match victory against Team Gonasika, Delhi SG Pipers made positive forays into the striking circle initially. Leading the charge was Jake Whetton, who showcased his quick dribbling skills to enter the top of the striking circle to take an ambitious shot on goal but was blocked away by Vikas Dahiya of Hyderabad Toofans.
In the 10th minute of the game, Toofans managed the first PC of the match, thanks to Timothy Daniel's quick thinking. Local lad from Simdega in Odisha, Amandeep brought early celebrations on New Year's Eve in Rourkela with a brilliant drag-flick.
"As a team, we are united and determined to give our best on the field. Our goal is to not only perform well in this series but also to learn and grow as a unit, laying a strong foundation for our campaign in the Paris Olympics," he added.
play pop slots"This series serves as a litmus test for our team's preparedness ahead of the Paris Olympics. We aim to fine-tune our strategies and identify areas for improvement to ensure we are in peak form for the mega event.
A toofani strike from @HToofans Amanadeep Lakra puts them in the driving seat with an early goal!Watch the LIVE action on DD Sports, Waves, Sony TEN 1, Sony TEN 3, Sony TEN 4 and Sony LIV!#HeroHIL #HockeyKaJashn #HockeyIndiaLeague #DSGPvsHYDT | @ddsportschannel |… pic.twitter.com/shL4MeS3NO
— Hockey India League (@HockeyIndiaLeag) December 31, 2024Only minutes later, Toofans returned to score yet another goal. This time it was world's top drag-flicker Gonzalo Peillat sounding off the board with a fierce flick leaving no room for SG Pipers' young goalie Pawan to defend.
After getting off on the backfoot, SG Pipers were desperate to make amends in their attack. They were finally able to narrow the lead to 1-2 when Whetton set up a goal for SG Pipers in the 21st minute. He assisted Dilraj Singh, who has been in great nick with back-to-back podium finishes for the junior India team. Dilraj broke no sweat in putting the ball past Toofans goalie Dahiya.
Though Toofans had chances to extend the lead through a couple of PCs and striker Talwinder taking a brave shot on goal minutes before the second hooter, they couldn't convert.
With the score reading 2-1 at half-time, both teams picked up some pace in the third quarter as they pushed for a goal. Sumit showcased fine 3D skills to win Delhi SG Pipers their first PC of the match in the 37th minute but they couldn't make much of the opportunity.
Meanwhile, Rajinder helped Toofans win a PC in the 42nd minute but Maico Casella's shot was well-saved by Benjamin Rennie. Despite both teams efforts, the third quarter remained goalless.
Only ahead by a goal, Toofans had to ensure solid defence to keep the SG Pipers forwardline at bay. But it didn't help with Toofans conceding a PC in the 50th minute. This was Delhi SG Pipers second PC and this time, they were bang on-target. It was Gareth Furlong who opened his account in the league with a perfect execution of the drag flick to equalise 2-2.
A timely equaliser for @DelhiSG_Pipers , as Gareth Furlong sweeps one home from a penalty corner!Watch the LIVE action on DD Sports, Waves, Sony TEN 1, Sony TEN 3, Sony TEN 4 and Sony LIV!#HeroHIL #HockeyKaJashn #HockeyIndiaLeague #DSGPvsHYDT | @heromotocorp | @vidadotworld… pic.twitter.com/jOvdZzsBaR
— Hockey India League (@HockeyIndiaLeag) December 31, 2024Thanks to Wallace's effortspera play, Toofans managed to earn fifth PC of the match but they messed up the execution. In the dying moments of the match, Toofans won another PC but to their luck, the effort rebounded off the pole taking the match into a shootout.
