Akhtar stars in UP’s thrilling 1-0 goal win
Uttar Pradesh notched up a thrilling solitary goal win against Haryana to collect full points in a Pool B game at the Hockey India 7th Sub Junior National Hockey Championship 2017 (Men) A Division in Bengaluru on Sunday.
The two teams were constantly opposing the other’s influence on the game, and defending superbly to restrict chances. In the 42nd minute Akhtar Ali smartly unlocked Haryana’s defence to score the opener for Uttar Pradesh Hockey. Earlier, in the day’s opener from Pool C, Punjab trounced Maharashtra 8-1. Three goals by captain Raman Kumar and a brace by Parteek Sharma remained the highlights for Punjab.
In Pool A, Hockey Gangpur – Odisha dished out a similar performance against Andhra Pradesh, outclassing them 8-1 to take the three points. Sudeep Chirmako scored in the fourth, 16th and 49th minutes, whereas Amandeep Lakra netted in the 40th and 43rd minutes in an outstanding performance from Hockey Gangpur – Odisha.
In Pool A’s second game of the day, Hockey Odisha and Sports Authority of India played out a memorable 1-1 draw. After a goal less first half, largely devoid of any clear and open chances for either side, Ankush opened the scoring for Sports Authority of India in the 43rd minute, smartly converting a penalty corner. Within a minute, though Hockey Odisha had equalized, Deepak Gowala scoring to restore parity. The two teams were inseparable at the final whistle, splitting the points.
In Pool D, hosts Hockey Karnataka drew against Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy. First half didn’t have any goals despite several attempts. Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy opened the scoring in 46th minute with Shailendra Singh converting a penalty corner (1-0).