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

Exciting Start to the Hockey India League

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], January 3: The Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons kicked off their Hockey India League (HIL) campaign with an exhilarating penalty shootout victory over the Hyderabad Toofans, earning a bonus point in their opening match on Saturday.

After a nail-biting regulation time that ended in a 3-3 draw, the Dragons emerged victorious with a 4-2 win in the shootout, thanks to two vital saves by Prince Deep Singh, as reported in an HIL announcement.

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

Both teams started the match with high energy, and David Harte was called into action early, making a crucial save in the fourth minute. The Dragons quickly countered, earning the first penalty corner, which Uttam Singh converted to score the tournament's opening goal.

Thomas Sorsby doubled the Dragons' lead in the ninth minute, skillfully maneuvering into the circle and scoring past the goalkeeper. However, the Toofans responded promptly, with Amandeep Lakra scoring from their first penalty corner to bring the score to 2-1 by the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Toofans maintained their momentum, equalizing through another powerful shot from Amandeep Lakra during their second penalty corner.

The match became increasingly competitive, with both teams creating opportunities but failing to score, resulting in a 2-2 tie at halftime.

The Dragons regained the lead shortly after halftime when Karthi Selvam scored a close-range tap-in, following a well-executed team play initiated by Uttam Singh.

Hyderabad Toofans quickly equalized again, with Arthur De Sloover scoring from a tight angle in the 37th minute. The Dragons applied pressure towards the end of the third quarter, but the Toofans held their ground, leaving the score tied at 3-3.

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

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