Vedanta Kalinga Lancers defeated Team Gonasika 2-1 in a hard-fought match to record their second consecutive victory in the Hockey India League (HIL) at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium on Thursday.
The victory over Gonasika over the next few days allowed the Lancers to move up to third place.
The Lancers took advantage of both flanks and were in the circle more often in the first quarter, but Gonasika held firm and deprived the hosts of the advantage at the beginning of the match. The Lancers’ lone corner kick went in vain when Alexander Hendrickx shot wide.
However, it was Gonasika who drew first blood at the end of the first quarter. Lee Morton crossed from the right and SV Sunil controlled the ball in front of goal before slotting it in, much to the chagrin of the home fans.
The Lancers improved their scoring in the second quarter.
HOW HAPPENED: Lancers vs. Gonasika, HIL 2024-25
Nicholas Bandurak scored for the hosts in the 23rd minute and video referee Anand Dangi, following a recommendation, decided that the goal should have been allowed. However, after watching the replay on the big screen, field referee Coen van Bunge rejected Dangi’s decision and disallowed the goal due to dangerous play by Lancers.
Lancer’s front line had some frustrating moments due to lack of coordination. However, with Manpreet Singh Gonasik’s yellow card down to 10 players, Antoine Kina took advantage of a defensive error at the top of the penalty area and scored the equalizer a few minutes before the break.
After exchanging ends, the Lancers continued to apply pressure and penetrated Gonasik’s circle several times. She took the lead despite problems with passing. Hendrickx’s accurate pass from outside the circle on the left was met by captain Aran Zalewski in a crowded ‘D’. Incidentally, Gonasika lost the fight again due to the suspension of Araijeet Singh Hundal.
The Lancers created opportunities, but struggled to finish in the final quarter. Dilpreet made a spectacular dash forward to Angad Bir Singh’s cross from the right but missed the target, but his team retained the lead until the end.
Result
Vedanta Kalinga Lancers 2 (China 28, Zalewski 33) against Team Gonasika 1 (Sunil 14).
