The Vedanta Kalinga Lancers pulled off an extraordinary comeback to defeat the Delhi SG Pipers in a shootout during the Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2024-25. Although they trailed 1-4 at halftime, the Lancers mounted an impressive fightback with goals from Alexander Hendrickx (13′, 52′), Thierry Brinkman (35′, 47′), and Angad Bir Singh (49′). Meanwhile, the SG Pipers, despite goals from Tomas Domene (18′, 20′), Corey Weyer (21′), Koji Yamasaki (23′), and Dilraj Singh (37′), continued their winless streak this season.
SG Pipers Dominate the Early Stages
From the start, the SG Pipers showed intent. In the fourth minute, they won a penalty corner. Jarmanpreet Singh, making his return to the lineup, attempted a slapshot. However, Krishan Pathak made a confident save. Shortly after, Jarmanpreet created another opportunity, but Sanjay quickly stepped in to clear the danger.
In contrast, the Lancers took the lead in the 12th minute. Hendrickx’s dragflick deflected off Rohit’s boot and found the net. While the play was intended for Aran Zalewski, a fortunate deflection gave Hendrickx the goal.
Pipers Turn the Game Around in the Second Quarter
As the second quarter began, the Pipers responded with intensity. In the 18th minute, Domene equalized with a powerful dragflick. Just two minutes later, he struck again, this time with a thunderous shot to Pathak’s left. Consequently, the Pipers gained a 2-1 lead.
Furthermore, Corey Weyer added to the score in the 21st minute, finishing from close range. Then, Koji Yamasaki made history in the 23rd minute as the first Japanese player to score in the Hero Hockey India League. His goal, off a deflection from Pathak, extended the Pipers’ lead to 4-1.
Kalinga Lancers Begin the Comeback
Despite the daunting deficit, the Lancers began their fightback in the third quarter. First, Brinkman capitalized on an open net in the 35th minute after the Pipers’ goalkeeper left his line. However, the Pipers responded quickly. Domene delivered a perfect pass to Dilraj Singh, who coolly slotted the ball into the net, restoring the Pipers’ three-goal advantage at 5-2.
Final Quarter Brilliance
The final quarter brought a dramatic shift in momentum. To begin with, Brinkman struck again, scoring his eighth goal of the season after Antoine Kina delivered a stunning no-look pass. This goal narrowed the gap to 5-3. Soon after, Angad Bir Singh finished a precise cross from Arthur van Doren, reducing the deficit further to 5-4.
Finally, the Lancers equalized in the 52nd minute. Hendrickx executed a perfect dragflick, tying the score at 5-5. The final eight minutes were tense as both teams pushed for a winner. However, neither managed to score, forcing a shootout.
Shootout Drama Seals the Victory
In the shootout, both teams were tied at 2-2 until a pivotal moment unfolded. Under pressure, Pipers’ Pawan fouled Dilpreet Singh, resulting in a penalty stroke. Hendrickx stepped up confidently and converted the stroke, giving the Lancers a 3-2 lead. Moments later, Toby Reynolds-Cotterill made a stunning save, securing the victory for the Lancers.
Ultimately, the Kalinga Lancers’ resilience and determination earned them a thrilling win and a bonus point. Their incredible comeback left the home crowd celebrating and marked a memorable moment in the Hockey India League.