Clinical goals from Cosyns and Russell secure a 2-0 victory, putting UP Rudras at the summit of HIL 2025.
Rourkela (Odisha), January 22: The UP Rudras showcased a commanding performance to defeat Team Gonasika 2-0 in the Hockey India League (HIL) on Tuesday, climbing to the top of the league standings.
Goals from Tanguy Cosyns (37′) and Kane Russell (40′) proved decisive in a tightly contested match that eventually swung in favor of the Rudras.
Cagey Start in the First Half
The opening quarter saw both teams struggle to find a breakthrough. Despite several circle entries, neither side managed to create clear scoring opportunities, ending the quarter goalless.
In the second quarter, Team Gonasika earned the first penalty corner in the 18th minute through Araijeet Hundal’s clever stickwork. However, UP Rudras’ goalkeeper James Mazarelo denied Victor Charlet’s drag-flick with a stunning save.
Meanwhile, the Rudras began to gain momentum under the leadership of Indian forward Hardik Singh, winning four penalty corners. Gurjot Singh’s darting run into the circle won them a crucial opportunity, but Oliver Payne’s heroic goalkeeping for Team Gonasika ensured the scoreline remained 0-0 at halftime.
Second-Half Surge for the Rudras
Team Gonasika almost took the lead in the 33rd minute, but Charlet’s mis-hit drag-flick squandered a penalty corner chance. The Rudras broke the deadlock in the 37th minute with a slick penalty corner variation. Kane Russell’s deceptive backward pass allowed Tanguy Cosyns to unleash a powerful shot, giving UP a 1-0 lead.
Just minutes later, Russell extended the Rudras’ advantage with a scorching drag-flick from a penalty corner, which deflected off goalkeeper Suraj Karkera’s glove into the net, making it 2-0 by the 40th minute.
Resolute Defense Secures Victory
Despite Gonasika’s attempts to stage a comeback, including a brilliant goal-line save by Floris Wortelboer, the Rudras’ defense remained impenetrable. James Albery came close to adding a third for the Rudras in the dying moments, but Karkera’s quick reflexes denied him.
The UP Rudras held on firmly for the final minutes, securing a well-deserved 2-0 victory.
Standings Update
This win propels UP Rudras to the top of the HIL 2025 standings, solidifying their status as a dominant force in the league.
Tags: UP Rudras vs Team Gonasika, Hockey India League 2025, Kane Russell goal, Tanguy Cosyns goal, Hardik Singh captaincy, HIL standings, Indian hockey updates
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