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Men's HIL: Hyderabad Toofans beat HIL GC 2-0 in Eliminator to progress to Qualifier 2

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HIL Playoffs: Shilanand Lakra Shines as Hyderabad Toofans Beat HIL GC 2-0

By IANS News January 23, 2026 • 21:59 PM View: 77

Shilanand Lakra (16', 39') stole the show as he scored a brilliant brace to help Hyderabad Toofans defeat HIL GC 2-0 in their Men’s Hockey India League (HIL) Playoff clash and book their spot in Qualifier 2, eyeing a place in the final once again, at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Friday.

It was a lively start to the game; however, neither side could break the deadlock in the opening quarter. Hyderabad Toofans had won an early penalty corner in the second minute, but they couldn't convert from the opportunity. Moments later, Sam Ward of HIL GC came close to scoring as he deflected the ball towards the goal, but was met by a strong save by Toofans' goalkeeper Jean Paul Danneberg. In the 12th minute, Hyderabad Toofans almost found the opening goal as Rohit Singh Irengbam deflected the ball towards goal, with the HIL GC goalkeeper off his line; however, Surender Kumar made a heroic save on the goalline for HIL GC.