SG Pipers opened their account in the Men’s Hero Hockey India League (HIL) 2025–26 with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Hyderabad Toofans at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi on Monday.
A brace from Tomas Domene proved decisive, while goalkeeper Tomas Santiago delivered a standout Player of the Match performance to anchor the Pipers’ defensive effort under sustained pressure.
The Pipers began the contest with intent, setting the tempo early and pinning Hyderabad Toofans deep in their own half. Their aggressive start translated into immediate rewards as they earned a succession of penalty corners in the opening minutes. Domene made one count in the eighth minute, unleashing a precise dragflick to give SG Pipers a deserved early lead. By the end of the first quarter, the Pipers had amassed six penalty corners without conceding a single one, a statistic that underlined their dominance in the early exchanges.
Hyderabad Toofans gradually settled into the rhythm of the match and began to see more of the ball, registering five circle entries in the first quarter. However, their possession did not translate into clear chances, with just one shot on goal to show for their efforts. SG Pipers, compact and disciplined in their structure, were comfortable soaking up pressure while remaining threatening on transitions.
The second quarter saw a shift in momentum as the Toofans enjoyed a prolonged spell of possession. They pushed higher up the pitch, forcing the Pipers to defend deep. Hyderabad registered 12 circle entries and earned four penalty corners in the quarter, along with seven shots on goal. Despite the mounting pressure, the Pipers’ defence held firm, with Tomas Santiago making a series of timely interventions to keep his side ahead.
Against the run of play, SG Pipers struck again just before halftime. Roman Duvekot produced a moment of quality down the flank, creating space and delivering a telling pass into the circle. Domene was on hand to apply the finishing touch in the 29th minute, completing his brace and doubling the Pipers’ advantage. The goal was a significant blow for Hyderabad Toofans, who had dominated territory and possession but found themselves trailing 2–0 at the break.
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Undeterred, Hyderabad Toofans emerged with renewed intensity in the third quarter. They continued to press aggressively, registering eight circle entries and earning a couple of penalty corners as they searched for a way back into the contest. Santiago remained a formidable presence in goal, repelling multiple attempts with calm assurance. Eventually, the sustained pressure paid off as Amandeep Lakra converted a penalty corner in the 41st minute, firing a dragflick past Santiago to reduce the deficit to 2–1 and set up a tense final phase.
The final quarter turned into a stern examination of SG Pipers’ defensive resolve. Hyderabad Toofans threw everything forward, attacking in waves and committing numbers into the circle. They recorded an imposing 16 circle penetrations and earned six penalty corners in the last quarter alone, underlining the relentless nature of their assault. The Pipers, however, remained organised and resilient, defending their one-goal lead with discipline and composure.
The defining moment of the match came when Hyderabad Toofans were awarded a penalty stroke, offering them a golden opportunity to draw level. Santiago rose to the occasion, producing a brilliant save to deny Zachary Wallace from the spot. The goalkeeper’s heroics did not end there, as he went on to pull off a stunning double save in the dying moments to snuff out Hyderabad’s final push and preserve the Pipers’ narrow advantage.
At the final whistle, SG Pipers could celebrate a vital first win of their HIL 2025–26 campaign, built on early attacking efficiency and an exceptional defensive performance led by Santiago. For Hyderabad Toofans, the result was a frustrating one, having dominated large periods of the game without finding the decisive breakthrough their pressure warranted.
All matches of the Hero Hockey India League are being broadcast live on Sony Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 3 and DD Sports, with live streaming available on Waves and the Hockey India League YouTube channel.
