India vs Ghana Hockey LIVE – CWG 2022 Hockey LIVE: Relentless India got their CWG 2022 campaign off to a flying start as they defeated Ghana 11-0 on Saturday. As many as seven Indians managed to score the goals but the star of the show was vice-captain Harmanpreet Singh, as he scored a hat-trick. The two teams are in a Pool B at the tournament. India will next take on hosts England on Sunday. Follow CWG 2022 LIVE updates on InsideSport.IN
India vs Ghana Hockey LIVE: Harmanpreet Singh’s hat-trick gives India 11-0 victory against Ghana in opening match of CWG 2022
India vs Ghana Hockey LIVE: India Men’s Hockey team begins CWG 2022 campaign, faces Ghana in first group match – Follow LIVE Updates
Dragflickers Harmanpreet Singh (10′, 35′, 53′) starred with a hat-trick, while Jugraj Singh (22′, 43′) bagged a brace in the match. Abhishek (2′), Shamsher Singh (14′), Akashdeep Singh (20′), Nilakanta Sharma (38′), Varun Kumar (39′) and Mandeep Singh (48′) scored a goal each to help India pick up a massive win in the Pool B.
An attacking start to the match saw India taking the lead in the second minute of the match through Abhishek, who scored from the rebound off the Ghana goalkeeper’s pads after Harmanpreet had taken a shot from the Penalty corner. The Indians continued to put pressure on Ghana’s defence and went on to score two more goals in the first quarter.
It was Harmanpreet who scored the second goal from the Penalty Corner in the 10th minute, while the third goal of the match was scored by Shamsher in the 14th minute. A beautiful move created by Abhishek from the left flank allowed Shamsher to calmly slot the ball home to make the scoreline 3-0 at the end of the first quarter.
GAME OVER! 🏑
⚠️ 𝙒𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜: The #MenInBlue are here to WIN!IND 11:0 GHA #IndiaKaGame #HockeyIndia #B2022 #Birmingham2022 @CMO_Odisha @IndiaSports @sports_odisha @Media_S pic.twitter.com/Jsge9gx56A
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) July 31, 2022
The Indians looked more dangerous in the second quarter, they went on to extend their lead to 4-0, courtesy of Akashdeep’s fiery tomahawk shot. Young drag-flicker Jugraj got on the scoresheet as he converted the Penalty Stroke to make the scoreline 5-0 in the 22nd minute.
Regaining some strength, Ghana started the second half brightly as they immediately earned a Penalty Corner. However, a good video referral by India ensured Ghana were denied the short corner. India then began their relentless attack as they scored as many as four goals in the last 10 minutes of the third quarter. After Harmanpreet’s second PC conversion in the 35th minute, Nilakanta (38′) and Varun (39′) also joined the party. Meanwhile, Jugraj converted the PC to add the ninth goal to the tally at the end of the third quarter.
In the final quarter, India continued their onslaught by making dangerous penetrating runs inside Ghana’s circle. Experienced forward Manpdeep got on the scoresheet as he scored India’s 10th goal in the 48th minute. Minutes later, Harmanpreet completed his hat-trick as he successfully converted a PC to take India’s lead to 11-0.
In the dying minutes, Ghana got a chance to score their first goal, but India averted the danger. The Indians kept most of the ball possession in the final minutes of the match and ensured that they keep a clean sheet.
India vs Ghana Hockey LIVE: Harmanpreet Singh’s hat-trick gives India 11-0 victory against Ghana in opening match of CWG 2022