The Tamil Nadu Dragons claimed a 4-3 victory in a penalty shootout after their Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2024-25 Pool B match against the Hyderabad Toofans ended in a 2-2 draw at Birsa Munda Stadium in Rourkela on Thursday.
Quick Start to the Match
The game began with immediate action. Hyderabad Toofans scored first in the 3rd minute when Rajinder Singh made a great run down the left and crossed into the circle. Tim Brand dived to deflect the ball past Tamil Nadu’s goalkeeper, David Harte.
However, the Dragons responded almost instantly. In the 4th minute, Blake Govers fired a shot from the top of the circle, easily beating Toofans’ goalkeeper, Vikas Dahiya, to equalize at 1-1.
Intense Play in the First Half
Both teams kept the pressure on. In the 11th minute, the Toofans earned the first penalty corner of the match. But David Harte came up with a fantastic save, denying Gonzalo Peillat’s drag flick. Later, in the 23rd minute, Govers had an opportunity to put the Dragons ahead, but Bikramjit Singh made a crucial save. As a result, the first half ended in a 1-1 draw.
Dragons Take the Lead
The second half saw more action. In the 37th minute, the Dragons grabbed the lead. After Devendra Walmiki fouled, a penalty corner was awarded to Tamil Nadu. Jip Janssen’s drag flick beat the goalkeeper, Vikas Dahiya, to make it 2-1.
Goalkeepers Steal the Show
The Toofans pushed hard for an equalizer. In the 42nd minute, David Harte displayed brilliant goalkeeping, saving three consecutive penalty corners, including a triple save. At the same time, Bikramjit Singh kept his team in the hunt by making important saves at the other end.
Toofans Equalize Late
Finally, the Toofans found their equalizer in the 59th minute. Maico Casella’s drag flick deflected off Amit Rohidas’ stick and past Harte, leveling the score at 2-2. Both teams fought hard for a winner, but the game headed into a penalty shootout.
Penalty Shootout Drama
In the penalty shootout, both goalkeepers were outstanding. Bikramjit Singh saved attempts from Govers, Raheel, and Ludwig. Meanwhile, David Harte stopped shots from Lakra, Singh, Casella, and Wallace. Ultimately, the Tamil Nadu Dragons triumphed 4-3 in the shootout, securing the victory.