Jacob Anderson scored the fastest goal in Hero Hockey India League history, but it wasn’t enough as Hyderabad Toofans were held to a 3-3 draw by Team Gonasika and lost 1-3 in the subsequent shootout. Anderson struck in just 20 seconds, with Tim Brand (6’) and Amandeep Lakra (25′) also finding the net for the Toofans. However, a brace from Victor Charlet (12’, 55′) and a stunning goal from Araijeet Singh Hundal (24′) brought Team Gonasika level before they triumphed in the shootout.
The Toofans got off to a dream start when Anderson capitalized on a defensive error to score in the opening 20 seconds, the fastest goal in HIL history. The Australian forward burst into the circle and smashed the ball into the net. Moments later, Maico Casella’s skillful play set up Tim Brand, who deflected a precise pass into the roof of the net in the sixth minute, doubling the Toofans’ lead.
Team Gonasika responded in the 12th minute when they earned a penalty stroke. Victor Charlet calmly converted, reducing the deficit to 2-1. In the second quarter, they earned another penalty stroke, and Araijeet Singh Hundal sent the keeper the wrong way to equalize in the 24th minute. However, the Toofans quickly regained the lead when local star Amandeep Lakra powered in a ferocious drag flick, thrilling the Rourkela crowd. The Toofans went into halftime with a 3-2 advantage.
The third quarter saw plenty of action, with the Toofans dominating possession but failing to extend their lead. Gonzalo Peillat came close with a penalty corner attempt, but his shot drifted wide. Despite their efforts, the Toofans couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities.
In the final quarter, with nothing to lose, Team Gonasika pushed hard. Araijeet came close with a powerful strike, but Toofans’ goalkeeper Dominic Dixon made a series of excellent saves to deny both Araijeet and Nikkin Thimmaiah. However, in the 55th minute, Charlet leveled the match with a thunderous drag flick that left Dixon helpless.
As the match approached the end, Jack Waller nearly scored a winner for Team Gonasika on his birthday, connecting well with Araijeet’s cross, but Dixon produced another crucial save to force the game into a shootout.
In the penalty shootout, the Toofans started strong, taking an early lead, but Oliver Payne’s heroics in goal turned the tide for Team Gonasika. Payne made three consecutive saves, ensuring a thrilling victory to end his team’s campaign on a high.
The draw and shootout defeat leave the Toofans in second place, but their semifinal hopes hinge on the results of Wednesday’s matches.