Dominic dixson

Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium: Hyderabad Toofans beat Soorma Hockey Club 1-1 (4-3 SO) in penalty shootouts in the Hockey India League 2024-25 at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium here on Saturday. Nicolas Della Torre (8’) powered Soorma Hockey Club into the lead in the first quarter but Amandeep Lakra (40’) pulled the Hyderabad Toofans back onto level terms with a fierce drag flick. And Dominic Dixson’s heroics in sudden death secured the bonus point for Hyderabad Toofans.

The Hyderabad Toofans began the game with a high press, making it difficult for Soorma Hockey Club to pass the ball around. This pressure resulted in a very early chance for Shilanand Lakra but his shot flew well over the goal. But Soorma found their rhythm as the quarter progressed and Nicolas Della Torre embarked on a scintillating run to beat multiple players and earn the first penalty corner of the game. Dello Torre again stepped up to find the back of the net and give Soorma Hockey Club the lead. Hyderabad Toofans went on to create a few chances of their own but were unable to score in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Hyderabad Toofans applied more pressure on Soorma Hockey Club but endured and embarked on a few counterattacks. Halfway through the quarter, Arshdeep pounced on a loose ball in the shooting circle but was unable to find the back of the net after bypassing Vincent Vanasch. The Toofans created numerous circle entries and shooting chances but the Soorma defence stood up to them and ensured the first half ended 1-0 in Soorma’s favour.