In an exciting matchup in the Chhattisgarh Hockey League, the Manpat Titans defeated the Capital Royals 5-2 on Sunday evening.
This loss leaves the Royals on the brink of elimination from the tournament, as they struggled in every aspect of the game.
The first quarter was relatively uneventful, with both teams primarily passing the ball in the midfield. Scoring opportunities were few, but towards the end of the quarter, Manpat seized a chance when Manish Vatti found the net, putting his team ahead.
The Capital Royals attempted to respond. Roshan passed the ball to Aniket from outside the circle, and Aniket successfully converted it into a goal to equalize. However, just 30 seconds later, Roshan’s goal was disallowed by the referee, leaving him visibly surprised.
Capitalizing on the Royals’ misfortune, Manpat’s Sandeep Thakur converted a well-placed midfield pass into a goal, giving Manpat a 2-1 lead at halftime. Lalit showcased impressive skill during this period, scooping the ball from a distance to reach Roshan, who scored again. Mohit Nayak added another goal for Manpat with a reverse flick, further extending their lead.
As the match progressed, the Royals failed to mount a significant attack. Prince scored another goal for Manpat, making it 4-2. The Royals’ inability to convert penalty corners into goals proved detrimental, as they left the field without capitalizing on any scoring opportunities. Following the match, Mohit Nayak was honored as both the top striker and the player of the tournament.
Looking ahead, the Sankardhani Strikers are set to face the Bailadila Bulls on October 26, while the Chakradhar Champions will take on the Manpat Titans.
In a separate match, the Nyayadhani Knights secured a commanding 4-1 victory against the Bailadila Bulls, nearly guaranteeing their spot in the semifinals. The Knights have won all three of their matches, placing them at the top of the points table. In contrast, the Bulls are struggling at the bottom and have yet to win a game. Chirag, a standout drag-flicker, scored a hat-trick and was named both the striker and player of the match for his performance.