Hyderabad Toofans edged past Soorma Hockey Club 1-1 (4-3 SO) in a dramatic penalty shootout in the Hero Hockey India League 2024-25 at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela. Nicolas Della Torre (8′) gave Soorma the lead in the first quarter, but Amandeep Lakra (40′) leveled the score with a thunderous drag flick. Goalkeeper Dominic Dixson’s brilliance in sudden death sealed the bonus point for the Toofans.
Hyderabad Toofans started aggressively, pressing high to disrupt Soorma’s passing game. This pressure created an early chance for Shilanand Lakra, but his shot sailed over the goal. As Soorma settled into the game, Della Torre dazzled with a skillful run, earning the first penalty corner and converting it to hand his team the lead. Despite creating a few opportunities, the Toofans couldn’t find the net in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Hyderabad intensified their attack, forcing Soorma onto the back foot. Arshdeep came close to scoring but missed after rounding Vincent Vanasch. The Toofans created several circle entries, but Soorma’s defense stood firm, maintaining their 1-0 lead at halftime.
The third quarter saw both teams slow the tempo, looking for clear chances. Shilanand Lakra set up Jacob Anderson for a close-range effort, but it narrowly missed the target. Soorma earned a penalty corner, but Harmanpreet’s attempt went wide. Hyderabad responded with a penalty corner of their own, and Amandeep Lakra struck a powerful flick into the top corner to equalize.
The final quarter was dominated by the Toofans, who created several opportunities, including a penalty corner within five minutes, but couldn’t break through Soorma’s defense. With seconds left, Soorma earned a penalty corner but failed to convert, sending the match to a shootout.
In the shootout, Zach Wallace scored the decisive goal for Hyderabad in sudden death, while Dominic Dixson saved Nicolas Poncelet’s attempt to clinch the bonus point for the Toofans.
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