Kemperman’s last-gasp goal helps Mumbai edge Wizards

Mumbai: Promising youngster Harmanpreet Singh hammered two powerful drag-flicks past senior goalkeeper Sreejesh P.R. to help Dabang Mumbai beat Uttar Pradesh Wizards 4-3 in their Hockey India League Season 5 match here on Tuesday.

It was the first win for the home team after drawing 3-3 against Ranchi Rays in the opener. Agustin Mazzilli put the Wizards 2-0 ahead in the first quarter. Ramandeep Singh scored off an indirect penalty corner to increase the lead but Dutch forward Robbert Kemperman came up with a brilliant field attempt in the dying moments to ensure the win for the home side.

After a cautious start from both teams, UP Wizards took the lead when Australian Edward Ockenden made an interception in the 13th minute just above the 25 yard line. He moved forward to tap a free ball for Mazzilli, who slotted in to put Wizards 2-0 ahead courtesy the field goal. Dutchman Seve van Ass also was waiting near the goal mouth but the Argentinian forward’s attempt had already crossed the goalline. For Mumbai, Affan Yousuf made a couple of penetrative runs in the first quarter but couldn’t threaten the visitors much.

Sixth minutes into the second quarter, the home team launched a swift attack with Roshan Minz’s run from right just about finding skipper Florian Fuchs near goal mouth but the German striker couldn’t connect. The hosts earned their first penalty corner in the 24th minute and Harmanpreet’s powerful drag-flick was too good as Mumbai reduced the deficit to 1-2. Mumbai attacked after the half time and were rewarded with a second penalty corner. Harmanpreet took the drag-flick efficiently again, finding the right corner giving Sreejesh no chance to make it 2-2 in the 32nd minute.

In the last quarter, the teams showed more purpose with Wizards launching a couple of attacks. The Wizards won their second penalty corner in the 59th minute despite a challenge and Ramandeep was perfectly positioned to tap it in. In the final minute, Kemperman — completely unmarked on the left — sent the crowd into frenzy by tapping Gurmail Singh’s cross to bring home the win.