25 January,2017 08:17 AM IST | | PTI
Kemperman’s late strike earns Dabang Mumbai 4-3 win vs UP Wizards to give home side opening victory in HIL 5
Dabang Mumbai scored a stunning come-from-behind 4-3 victory over Uttar Pradesh Wizards to earn their first victory in two games in the Hockey India League yesterday. The match-winner for the home team, when they were down 2-3 with just over a minute of play left on the clock, was scored by Dutchman Robbert Kemperman through a deflection off a cross from right.
Just a minute earlier, UP had taken the lead again through India international Ramandeep Singh that put them 3-2 in front before Kemperman spoiled their chances.
It was the second time that Mumbai got a last-minute field goal, after the first one two days ago by Nikin Thimmiah which earned them a 3-3 draw against Ranchi.
UP had gone 2-0 ahead early in the match in the first quarter through Augustin Mazzili's field strike before the hosts drew level through two penalty corner goals from their drag-flick expert Harmanpreet Singh. The victory for Mumbai in their second match of the season and second one at home took their points tally to seven, three behind league leaders Kalinga Lancers. Mumbai will stay at home and take on defending champions Punjab Warriors on January 27, and UP will clash with Kalinga Lancers at Bhubaneswar on January 29.
