Rourkela, 01.02.2025: The Hyderabad Toofans showed great defense as they beat Soorma Hockey Club 3-1 in a semi-final match at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela. With this win, the Toofans are now in the Hockey India League final, where they will play against Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers on February 1 (Saturday) at 8:15 PM IST.
Soorma Hockey Club started strong, creating chances early on, but Hyderabad’s defense, led by goalkeeper Bikramjit Singh, kept them out. The Toofans scored first in the 25th minute when Amandeep Lakra hit a powerful shot into the net.
Despite more attacks from Soorma, Hyderabad’s defense remained tough, blocking penalty corners and making important saves. In the 35th minute, Jacob Anderson scored a second goal for the Toofans, giving them a two-goal lead.
Soorma tried hard to get back into the game, winning several penalty corners and creating chances, but each time they were denied by Hyderabad’s defense. In the 43rd minute, Nilakanta Sharma scored on a quick counter-attack to make it 3-0.
Soorma managed to score a goal in the last minute through Jeremy Hayward, but it was too late, and the Toofans secured a 3-1 victory.
The Hyderabad Toofans’ strong defense and goalkeeper saves were key to their win, as Soorma couldn’t convert their chances. Now, the Toofans will play for the title in the final.
