Kalinga Lancers Secure HIL Final Berth With Gritty 2-1 Victory Over Ranchi Royals
In a thrilling encounter at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Friday, the Kalinga Lancers booked their place in the final of the second edition of the revamped Hockey India League with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Ranchi Royals in Qualifier 1. The match was defined by penalty corner excellence and missed opportunities, ultimately decided by the clinical finishing of Belgian star Alexander Hendrickx.
Hendrickx Penalty Corner Double Proves Decisive
The Lancers' triumph was orchestrated by their penalty corner specialist, Alexander Hendrickx, who delivered two crucial goals at pivotal moments. His first strike came in the 12th minute after the Lancers earned a retake following an initial failed conversion. Hendrickx unleashed a powerful drag flick that beat Royals goalkeeper Suraj Karkera, finding the left corner of the net to give his team an early advantage.
Hendrickx doubled the lead in the 32nd minute with another penalty corner conversion, this time opting for a straighter shot that deflected off Karkera and into the goal. These two moments of precision proved to be the difference in a match where both teams created numerous scoring chances.
Royals Fight Back But Fall Short
The Ranchi Royals began the match with positive intent and nearly took an early lead in the fourth minute when Mandeep Singh received a perfect pass from Araijeet Singh Hundal in front of goal. However, Mandeep failed to control the opportunity and sent his shot well over the target, a miss that would prove costly as the Lancers gradually took control of proceedings.
Despite trailing, the Royals showed resilience in the second quarter, earning four penalty corners as they increased their tempo. However, the Lancers' penalty corner defense remained organized and disciplined, successfully protecting their 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
The Royals finally broke through in the 40th minute when they won their fifth penalty corner of the match. Opting for a variation play, Sam Lance delivered the ball to Mandeep Singh, who made amends for his earlier miss by deflecting it into the net to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
Lancers Dominate Final Quarter to Seal Victory
Despite the Royals' resurgence, the Kalinga Lancers regained control in the final quarter, effectively managing the game and preventing any equalizing opportunities. Their composed performance in the closing stages ensured they secured their place in the HIL final, marking a remarkable turnaround from their disappointing campaign in the previous edition of the tournament.
What's Next for the Teams
The Ranchi Royals will get a second chance to reach the final when they face the Hyderabad Toofans in Qualifier 2 on Sunday. The Toofans earned their spot in that match with a comfortable 2-0 victory over HIL GC in Friday's Eliminator, thanks to a brace from Shilanand Lakra in the 16th and 39th minutes.
Meanwhile, HIL GC will now prepare for the third-fourth playoff match after failing to capitalize on numerous scoring opportunities against the Toofans. For the Kalinga Lancers, their focus shifts to the championship final, where they will aim to complete their impressive tournament run with the ultimate prize.
