Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons Triumph in Penalty Shootout Against Hyderabad Toofans in HIL Opener

Exciting Start to the Hockey India League

In a thrilling opening match of the Hockey India League (HIL) on Saturday, the Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons emerged victorious against the Hyderabad Toofans after a penalty shootout. The match concluded with a 3-3 tie in regulation time, leading to a shootout where the Dragons secured a 4-2 win, thanks to two vital saves from Prince Deep Singh.

Goals Galore in Regulation Time

During the match, Uttam Singh (4'), Thomas Sorsby (9'), and Karthi Selvam (32') found the net for the Dragons. Meanwhile, Amandeep Lakra (12', 18') and Arthur De Sloover (37') scored for the Toofans.

Intense First Half Action

The game kicked off with both teams displaying high energy. David Harte made a crucial save in the fourth minute, leading to the Dragons earning the first penalty corner. Uttam Singh converted this opportunity, scoring the tournament's opening goal.

Thomas Sorsby quickly followed up, doubling the Dragons' lead with a well-placed shot. However, the Toofans responded promptly, with Amandeep Lakra scoring from their first penalty corner, ending the first quarter at 2-1.

The second quarter saw the Toofans equalize through another powerful strike from Lakra, making it 2-2 as the first half concluded.

Back-and-Forth Second Half

The Dragons regained the lead early in the third quarter with Karthi Selvam scoring a close-range tap-in. Yet, Arthur De Sloover quickly leveled the score again for the Toofans. The quarter ended with both teams tied at 3-3 after a sustained effort from the Dragons.

Deciding the Match in a Shootout

In the final quarter, the Toofans started strong, but David Harte's goalkeeping kept the Dragons in the game. Both teams fought hard for a winning goal, but the match went to a penalty shootout.

The Dragons triumphed in the shootout, with Raheel Mohammed scoring the decisive penalty, securing a 4-2 victory and a bonus point in their first match.