Hyderabad Toofans Stage Sensational Comeback to Defeat Ranchi Royals 3–2 in Men’s Hero Hockey India League
Chennai, January 7, 2026:
Hyderabad Toofans produced one of the most dramatic turnarounds of the Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2025-26 season so far, overturning a two-goal deficit to beat Ranchi Royals 3–2 at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium, Egmore, on Wednesday night.
After trailing 0–2 at halftime following a brilliant brace from Belgian star Tom Boon, the Toofans came alive in the second half through goals from Amandeep Lakra, Nic Woods and Talwinder Singh, keeping their playoff push firmly on track.
The contest opened with Hyderabad Toofans enjoying greater possession, dictating the rhythm of play in midfield and forcing the Royals into a compact defensive shape. Despite Toofans’ early control, it was Ranchi Royals who struck first. In the 11th minute, the Royals earned back-to-back penalty corners, and Boon made the second count, firing home a trademark drag-flick to give his side the lead against the run of play.
Hyderabad Toofans attempted to respond immediately, earning a pair of penalty corners late in the quarter, but failed to convert, leaving them frustrated as the first period ended with Ranchi holding a narrow advantage.
The situation worsened for the Toofans early in the second quarter. In the 17th minute, Boon doubled his tally, showing exquisite skill as he lifted a deft effort over the advancing goalkeeper to make it 2–0. The Royals, having struck twice from limited chances, now appeared in control.
However, the Toofans refused to panic. They registered nine circle penetrations in the second quarter alone, relentlessly testing the Royals’ defensive structure. Despite their dominance, the final pass or finish continued to elude them, and they went into the halftime break still chasing the game.
The complexion of the match changed dramatically after the interval. Hyderabad emerged with renewed intent, pushing more numbers into the attacking third and pinning Ranchi back with sustained pressure. Their persistence was finally rewarded in the 42nd minute when Amandeep Lakra converted a penalty corner with a powerful drag-flick to reduce the deficit to 2–1.
Three minutes later, the Toofans were level. Nic Woods (45’) pounced on a loose ball inside the circle and smashed it home, sending the Chennai crowd into raptures and setting the stage for a nerve-wracking final quarter.
With momentum firmly on their side, Hyderabad Toofans sensed blood. Ranchi Royals, who had adopted a low-block strategy to protect their lead, now found themselves under relentless siege. Although the Royals continued to look for counter-attacking opportunities, the Toofans’ high press eventually paid off.
The decisive moment arrived in the 57th minute. A sweeping attacking move ended with Talwinder Singh finding space inside the circle and finishing calmly past the goalkeeper to complete an extraordinary comeback. The goal proved to be the winner, as Hyderabad held their nerve in the closing minutes to secure a memorable 3–2 victory.
The result cements Hyderabad Toofans’ reputation as one of the most resilient sides in the league, while Ranchi Royals were left to rue missed opportunities after failing to capitalise on their dominant first-half performance.
As the Men’s Hero Hockey India League continues to deliver thrilling drama in Chennai, Hyderabad’s comeback win stands out as a reminder that no lead is ever safe in top-flight hockey.
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