HIL 2025-26: Toofans edges past GC to climb third; Soorma ends Lancers’ unbeaten run

In a must-win match, Hyderabad Toofans maintained its composure and structure well to post a slim 3-2 win over HIL Governing Council (GC) in their last round robin league match in the Hockey India League at the Kalinga Stadium here on Tuesday.

Even as the two teams were tied on 11 points after finishing their engagements, Toofans’ third win helped it leapfrog HILGC on a better goal difference behind second-placed Ranchi Royals, who are also on 11 with one match to go.

Toofans, which relied on its fluid midfield and active forward-line, made early inroads and took a 2-1 lead in the first quarter.

Following an ill-trapped penalty corner, an alert Zachary Wallace shot home to put Toofans ahead in the sixth minute.

Even though HIL GC drew parity through Kane Russell’s flick to the top right corner of the post, Toofans regained their lead quickly as Amandeep Lakra found the mark from his side’s second penalty corner.

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The lively quartet of Wallace, Michel Struthoff and the Indian duo of Shilanand Lakra and Arshdeep Singh kept the HIL GC defence busy and Shilanand slotted in off an organised attack, following a miscued penalty corner injection, to extend Toofans’ lead in the second period.

HILGC came close to narrowing the gap but saw Ajeet Yadav’s attempt off a long pass from Russell being adjudged dangerous close to the half-time break.

Russell converted the second of two consecutive short corners to make it 3-2 early in the third quarter.

Toofans created a lot of chances in the final two periods, but could not beat HILGC custodian James Mazarelo. HILGC tried to catch up in vain.

JSW Soorma Hockey Club, in a tough situation with a minus goal difference, managed a 2-1 victory over top-placed Kalinga Lancers, which suffered its first defeat and collected 16 points from their share of seven matches.

Published on Jan 20, 2026