Late strike seals crucial victory for Odisha franchise team
Vedanta Kalinga Lancers showcased incredible grit to clinch a thrilling 2-1 victory over Shrachi Bengal Tigers in the ongoing Men's Hockey India League (HIL) 2025-26. Played at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium on Thursday, this triumph propelled the Odisha hockey team to the second spot on the league points table.
Opening the match with aggressive intent, the Kalinga Lancers dominated possession early on. They made 11 circle entries in the first quarter alone, keeping the opposition defense under constant pressure. Despite several attempts to breach the goal, including a penalty corner, the first 15 minutes ended without a score. The Tigers’ goalkeeper, James Carr, stood firm against the initial onslaught.
Momentum shifted slightly in the second quarter as the Bengal side found their rhythm. Creating nine circle entries and firing four shots, they tested the Lancers' defense. However, Krishan Bahadur Pathak, the custodian for the Kalinga Lancers, pulled off magnificent saves to keep the scoresheet clean. The intense first half concluded with a 0-0 deadlock, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
Both teams tightened their defenses in the third quarter, refusing to yield any ground. It wasn't until the final quarter that the game truly exploded into life. Alexander Hendrickx finally broke the silence in the 52nd minute, converting a penalty corner with a powerful drag-flick to give the Lancers a 1-0 lead.
Celebrations were short-lived as the Tigers responded quickly. Just four minutes later, Affan Yousuf tapped in an equalizer following a setup by Enrique Gonzalez, leveling the score at 1-1.
With the clock ticking down, the match seemed destined for a draw until Boby Singh Dhami seized the moment. in the 57th minute, a penalty corner save rebounded kindly for Dhami, who made no mistake in slotting the winner from close range. This late strike ensured the Kalinga Lancers walked away with full points, cementing their status as a top contender in this year's Hockey India League.
For fans following Odisha sports news, this back-to-back win signals a promising campaign ahead for the state's franchise.
