Hockey India League: Hyderabad Toofans Secure First Points with Sudden Death Victory Over Delhi SG Pipers

In yet another nail-biter at the Birsa Munda Stadium, Match 5 of the Hockey India League saw its third penalty shootout after regulation time ended in a 2-2 draw. Hyderabad Toofans, who made a dream start with early goals from Amandeep Lakra (11’) and Gonzalo Peillat (13’), appeared poised for their first win. However, Delhi SG Pipers fought back with goals from Dilraj Singh (21’) and Gareth Furlong (50’) to level the game and push it into a shootout. The Toofans ultimately held their nerve, securing a 5-4 victory in sudden death to claim the bonus point.

The Toofans opened their account in the 10th minute, earning the first penalty corner of the match thanks to Tim Brand’s quick play. Local star Amandeep Lakra delivered a powerful drag flick to give his team the lead. Just minutes later, marquee signing Gonzalo Peillat doubled the advantage with a fierce flick, putting the Toofans in control at 2-0.

Delhi SG Pipers, determined to recover, narrowed the deficit in the 21st minute. Jacob Whetton’s clever assist set up Dilraj Singh, who capitalized on the opportunity with ease to beat Toofans goalkeeper Prashant Dahiya.

With the score at 2-1 at halftime, both teams intensified their efforts in the third quarter. Delhi earned their first penalty corner in the 37th minute, courtesy of Sumit’s impressive 3D skills, but failed to convert. The Toofans also won a PC in the 42nd minute, but Maico Casella’s attempt was expertly saved by Benjamin Rennie, leaving the quarter goalless.

In the 50th minute, Toofans conceded a penalty corner, which Gareth Furlong executed flawlessly to bring Delhi level at 2-2.

The match progressed to a shootout, where Hyderabad Toofans’ goalkeeper Dominic Dixon emerged as the hero, helping his team secure a 5-4 victory in sudden death. The win marked Toofans’ first points of the season after an earlier 2-3 loss, where they had fought back from 0-3 but fell short. This time, their resilience paid off, despite losing an early lead.