Dabang Mumbai prevail over Kalinga Lancers 2-1 to register maiden victory in HIL

Dabang Mumbai players during Hockey India League encounter

The Dabang Mumbai finally got what they were waiting for, their maiden win in the Hockey India League. Mumbai defeated the Kalinga Lancers 2-1 in a closely contested encounter at the Mahindra Hockey Stadium today.

Both teams were cautious in the opening quarter of play and test each other, but failed to create any clear-cut chances. The first quarter ended goalless but in the second both teams tried to break the deadlock and Mumbai finally managed to draw first blood.

Jeremy Hayward opened the scoring in the 18th minute for the Dabang Mumbai and the first-half ended with the hosts having a one-goal advantage. The second-half was more lively as both teams pressed for goals to keep the crowd on its feet.

In the 42nd minute of the game, Mumbai doubled their advantage through Harmanpreet Singh, when his drag flick whistled into the goal. Mumbai’s joy, however, was short-lived as Kalinga cut their advantage just few moments later.

Mohammad Amir Khan scored for the visitors in the 42nd minute when he deflected a weighted cross into the net to stun the crowd. With just a one-goal advantage, Mumbai managed to hang on to their lead and registered first win in the HIL.

Mumbai is now second from the bottom in the leaders’ board, three points above the Lancers that are last in the standings. They will next lock horns with the Uttar Pradesh Warriors while Kalinga will are to face the Delhi Waveriders.