Bhubaneswar: Odisha FC Reserves ended their journey in the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) East Zone Regional Qualifiers on a positive note, defeating Mohammedan SC 2-0 on Wednesday, at the Kalyani Stadium. Goals from Kartik Hantal (39’) and Narendra Naik (90’) sealed the win for the team. Despite the victory, Odisha FC Reserves could not qualify for the National-level group stage. Both Odisha and East Bengal finished with a +1 goal difference, but Odisha finished below East Bengal due to their head-to-head record.
The win against Mohammedan SC came in the final match of the league, giving the team their second victory in RFDL. Previously, they had beaten United Sports Club 2-1, with Kartik Hantal (49’) and Kharon Subba (85’) scoring the goals. This victory created a glimmer of hope for qualification, but it wasn’t enough.
The Kalinga Warriors had started the league with a 1-1 draw against Mohun Bagan, with Hantal scoring in the second half. They then drew 2-2 with Diamond Harbour FC and suffered a 3-1 defeat to East Bengal FC.
One of the standout performers of the tournament was local talent Kartik Hantal, who scored five goals in five matches. His impressive performances throughout the league demonstrated his potential and made him one of the brightest young players in Indian football. Alongside him, players like Roshan Panna also showed their skills, further highlighting the talent emerging from Odisha FC’s youth development system.
