Kantabanji Stun Hosts Khariar 2–1, Book Semi-Final Berth: Thrilling Knockout Clash at Raja Artatrana Sports Ground

Khariar: The 17th Raja Anup Singh Deo Memorial Football Tournament witnessed an exciting fourth and final knockout encounter at the historic Raja Artatrana Sports Ground in Khariar, where Kantabanji of Balangir district defeated the host Khariar team of Nuapada district by a narrow 2–1 margin. With this impressive victory, Kantabanji secured its place in the second semi-final scheduled to be played on August 13. The match began with both teams displaying attacking football and creating several opportunities. Playing in front of a passionate home crowd, Khariar fought hard to take control of the game. However, Kantabanji maintained excellent coordination between its defence and attacking line and successfully converted its opportunities into goals. The match remained highly competitive throughout, with both sides refusing to give up. Despite a strong fightback from the hosts, Kantabanji held its nerve and finished the stipulated playing time with a 2–1 victory, sending its players and supporters into celebration. The match was witnessed by Khariar DFO Aziz Khan as the Chief Guest. Director of Mahatma Gandhi College, Khariar, Ruby Pradhan, former football player Chhabi Sagar, and young social worker Hemanta Kumar Tandi attended as Guests of Honour. They encouraged and motivated the players of both teams during the match. The match was officiated by Football Association of Odisha official referees Chhabi Nayak, Amulya Barik, Sourav Panda and Nilu Bhoi. Vedanta Pradhan handled the scoring, while Dhananjay Mallik and Nandu Sahu provided the live commentary. The tournament is being organised under the guidance of the Anup Singh Deo Memorial Football Trust. Trust President Ankit Singh Deo, Secretary Jitendra Nayak, Vice-President Prabhudatta Gaud, Treasurer Bishwaranjan Panda, along with Rupesh Tahani, Bibek Pod, Sushant Kumar Swain, Shyam Nag, Basanti Majhi, Punyatosh Mund, Deb Pradhan, Aqib Raja, Jhintu Mahapatra, Prashant Pattnaik, Niranjan Pod, Mohammad Arif, Gudu Panigrahi, Sushanu Sahu, Harihar Sahu and Deeptiranjan Satapathy extended their cooperation for the successful conduct of the tournament. With Kantabanji now through to the semi-final, football enthusiasts in Khariar are eagerly looking forward to the next crucial encounter on August 13, which promises another exciting battle on the field.