Hockey India League 2024–25: Kalinga Lancers Defeat Team Gonasika 2-1, Move Up To Third In Standings

Vedanta Kalinga Lancers fought back to secure a 2-1 win over Team Gonasika in a tightly contested match, marking their second consecutive victory in the Hockey India League (HIL) at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium on Thursday. (Highlights | Hockey News)

The Lancers started strong, creating more circle entries in the first quarter. However, Gonasika’s defense stood tall, preventing the home side from gaining any early momentum. The Lancers earned a penalty corner during this period, but Alexander Hendrickx’s shot went wide, leaving the fans disappointed.

Despite the Lancers’ dominance, it was Gonasika who took the lead late in the first quarter. Lee Morton delivered a sharp cross from the right, and SV Sunil (14') made no mistake, controlling the ball at the goalmouth and tapping it in to silence the home crowd.

Not to be discouraged, the Lancers stepped up their game in the second quarter, pushing harder and looking to turn the match in their favor.

In the 23rd minute, Nicholas Bandurak scored for the hosts, and after a referral, video umpire Anand Dangi advised that the goal should stand.

However, as the replay was shown on the big screen, on-field umpire Coen van Bunge reviewed the footage and made the final call, disallowing the goal due to dangerous play by the Lancers.

The disallowed goal seemed to ignite a spark in the Lancers. They found their equalizer just before half-time, thanks to Antoine Kina’s opportunistic strike in the 28th minute.

The decisive moment came early in the third quarter when captain Aran Zalewski capitalized on a deflected pass, guiding it into the net in the 33rd minute to seal the victory.