Jacob Anderson made history by scoring the fastest goal in the Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2024-25, but his efforts were not enough. Ultimately, Hyderabad Toofans played out a 3-3 draw with Team Gonasika before falling 1-3 in the penalty shootout on Tuesday.
Anderson’s Record-Breaking Goal Sets the Tone
Right from the start, Hyderabad Toofans got off to a sensational beginning. Anderson capitalized on a defensive mistake and quickly struck the ball into the net just 20 seconds into the match. As a result, his goal became the fastest in HIL history. Furthermore, the momentum continued as Tim Brand extended the lead in the sixth minute. Maico Casella skillfully maneuvered the ball to the edge of the circle and sent a sharp pass toward goal. Brand anticipated it perfectly, deflecting it into the roof of the net to put Toofans 2-0 ahead.
Team Gonasika Fights Back
However, despite being down early, Team Gonasika found a way back in the 12th minute when they earned a penalty stroke. Victor Charlet stepped up and confidently sent the ball past goalkeeper Dominic Dixon. Consequently, the Toofans still led 2-1 at the end of the first quarter, but their advantage was short-lived.
Then, in the 24th minute, Team Gonasika won another penalty stroke. This time, Araijeet Singh Hundal took the shot, sending Dixon the wrong way and leveling the score at 2-2. Nevertheless, Hyderabad Toofans quickly regained the lead in the very next minute. Local player Amandeep Lakra unleashed a powerful drag-flick that soared into the net, igniting celebrations among the Rourkela crowd. By halftime, Toofans were ahead 3-2.
Missed Chances and Late Equalizer
As the third quarter progressed, there was intense back-and-forth action, with Toofans dominating possession. They won multiple penalty corners, and at one point, Gonzalo Peillat attempted a precise shot toward the bottom corner. However, the ball drifted wide. Despite several chances, neither side managed to add to the scoreboard in this period.
Meanwhile, with nothing to lose from a qualification standpoint, Team Gonasika played aggressively in the final quarter. Araijeet tested Dixon with a powerful strike, but the goalkeeper made an excellent block. Over the next few minutes, Dixon continued to shine, saving another attempt from Araijeet and rushing off his line to deny Nikkin Thimmaiah.
Finally, in the 55th minute, Charlet struck again with a thunderous drag-flick, bringing Team Gonasika level at 3-3. He took his time, picked his spot, and executed a perfect shot that left Dixon helpless. From trailing by two goals, Team Gonasika had fought back to equalize.
Shootout Drama Ends in Toofans’ Defeat
In the dying moments of regulation time, Jack Waller nearly won it for Team Gonasika on his birthday. He connected well with Araijeet’s cross, but Dixon made a crucial save, thereby sending the game to a penalty shootout.
During the shootout, Hyderabad Toofans took an early lead. However, goalkeeper Oliver Payne turned the tide with three successive saves, ensuring Team Gonasika finished their campaign on a high note with a 3-1 shootout victory.
Toofans’ Semifinal Fate Hangs in the Balance
As a result of this loss, Hyderabad Toofans remain in second place. However, their semifinal hopes now depend on the results of Wednesday’s matches, which will ultimately determine their fate in the competition.
