Team Gonasika earned their first victory in the Hero Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 with a 3-1 win over Hyderabad Toofans at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela on Saturday. SV Sunil (2′), Victor Charlet (33′), and Nilam Sanjeep Xess (60′) scored for Gonasika, while Tim Brand (12′) found the net for the Toofans.
Early Lead for Gonasika
Right from the start, Gonasika took control of the match. In the second minute, SV Sunil and Mandeep Singh combined to give Gonasika the lead. Mandeep delivered a perfect pass to Sunil, who easily tapped it into an empty goal.
Toofans Equalize
However, the Toofans responded quickly. In the 12th minute, they equalized when Zachary Wallace passed to the post, and Tim Brand managed to score, putting the game at 1-1.
Gonasika Almost Reclaims Lead
Gonasika had a chance to take the lead once again just before the first-quarter whistle. Sunil sneaked into position at the far post, but goalkeeper Dominic Dixon was quick to close the angle and prevent the shot from going in.
In the 22nd minute, Gonasika thought they had taken the lead. Araijeet Singh Hundal intercepted the ball and passed to Timothee Clement, who scored. However, the TV umpire reviewed the play and ruled that Clement had used his back stick, disallowing the goal.
Toofans Miss Big Opportunity
The Toofans then had a great chance to take the lead, but their effort fell short. Arshdeep Singh tried to cross the ball to a teammate, but it missed its target and went wide across the goal.
Gonasika Takes the Lead
Gonasika didn’t waste time to regain control in the second half. They won four penalty corners in quick succession, and Victor Charlet converted one in the 33rd minute, firing a drag flick past goalkeeper Dixon to put Gonasika ahead again.
Toofans Can’t Find the Net
Despite several attempts, the Toofans couldn’t break through Gonasika’s solid defense. In a counter-attack, Sunil had a chance to score, but he was unable to get a proper shot off.
The Toofans finally earned a penalty corner in the 57th minute, but their effort was denied. Gonzallo Peillat’s drag flick was blocked by Gonasika’s Charlet, further frustrating the Toofans’ attack.
Final Goal Seals Victory
In the final minute, with the Toofans pushing for a goal, they pulled their goalkeeper. Gonasika capitalized on this by scoring one last time. Nilam Sanjeep Xess tapped the ball into the empty net, sealing the 3-1 victory for Gonasika.
Victor Charlet’s Thoughts
Player of the Match, Victor Charlet, shared his thoughts on the win: “After three good games, we needed three points and we are happy to have got it today. All the matches have been tight so we need to be 100% for all the matches and today was a big victory for us.”
