Hyderabad Toofans registered a magnificent turnaround to secure a 3-2 win against Ranchi Royals in the Men’s Hero Hockey India League (HIL) 2025-26 at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium, Egmore.
Match Summary
- Goal Scorers:
- Tom Boon (11’, 17’) struck twice for Ranchi Royals.
- Amandeep Lakra (42’), Nic Woods (45’), and Talwinder Singh (57’) netted for Hyderabad Toofans.
The match had an engaging start, with Hyderabad Toofans taking control in the opening exchanges. They maintained most of the possession to dictate the tempo, while Ranchi Royals focused on holding their shape and playing on the break. The Royals had the first notable opportunity, earning a couple of penalty corners. Tom Boon (11’) converted a dragflick from the second set-piece, giving his side the lead against the run of play.
Towards the end of the first quarter, the Toofans created chances with a couple of penalty corners but couldn’t find the opening they were looking for.
Hyderabad Toofans faced another setback early in the second quarter as Tom Boon (17’) bagged his second goal, dinking in a high effort past the goalkeeper and doubling the Royals’ lead. The Toofans responded strongly, registering nine circle entries in the second quarter but failed to convert any into attempts on target, finishing the first half with a 2-0 deficit.
As the second half began, the Royals played with a low block to defend their two-goal lead. Hyderabad Toofans shifted their attacking approach and were eventually rewarded when Amandeep Lakra (42’) converted a dragflick from a penalty corner, pulling a goal back for his side. Just three minutes later, Nic Woods (45’) brought them back on level terms, setting the stage for an intriguing final quarter.
With everything to play for in the last fifteen minutes, Hyderabad Toofans capitalized on their momentum. Although Ranchi Royals persisted with their counter-attacking tactics, they eventually succumbed. Talwinder Singh (57’) helped the Toofans get ahead with less than three minutes to go. This goal proved to be the game-winning contribution as the runners-up from last season held firm to secure all three points.