Vital win pushes Hyderabad into top four spots

Bhubaneswar: Playoff hopes hung by a thread for the Hyderabad Toofans as they stepped onto the turf at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium this Tuesday. In a match defined by high stakes and intense pressure, Hyderabad managed to secure a crucial 3-2 victory over HIL GC in their final league stage encounter of the Men’s Hero Hockey India League (HIL) 2025-26.

Early momentum shifted quickly in the first quarter. While HIL GC initially controlled the ball, Hyderabad struck first against the run of play. Zachary Wallace found the net in the 6th minute with a deflected effort from a penalty corner. However, the lead was short-lived. Just two minutes later, Kane Russell leveled the score for HIL GC with a powerful dragflick.

Refusing to back down in this must-win scenario, the Toofans responded immediately. Local favourite Amandeep Lakra restored the lead in the 8th minute, rifling a dragflick past the keeper to make it 2-1 before the first quarter ended.

Hyderabad continued their aggressive approach in the second quarter. Their persistence paid off when Shilanand Lakra scored from close range in the 27th minute, extending the lead to 3-1. Despite trailing by two goals, HIL GC remained dangerous, consistently threatening the Hyderabad circle before halftime.

Tension peaked as the second half began. Kane Russell completed his brace in the 31st minute, converting another penalty corner to narrow the gap to a single goal. Both teams launched wave after wave of attacks, desperate to alter the scoreboard, but the goalkeepers and defenders stood tall.

HIL GC launched a relentless offensive in the final quarter, recording 18 circle entries as they hunted for an equalizer. However, the Hyderabad defense showcased immense resilience, shutting down every attempt to seal the three points.

With this hard-fought win, Hyderabad Toofans have jumped to the third position on the points table, keeping their tournament dreams alive. HIL GC now sits in fourth place following this result.