The young footballers of Zinc Football Academy exhibited their top form while going head to head against physically stronger and more experienced teams in the 59th All India Principal Harbhajan Singh Memorial Football Tournament held in Punjab from 22nd February.
The Vedanta-Hindustan Zinc initiated Zinc Football Academy was included in Group A alongside Rangers FC Delhi and CRPF Jalandhar. The winner from each of the four groups would progress to the semi-finals of the coveted tournament.
Underdogs in the group, the Zawar based team, however, produced a masterclass to defeat Rangers FC Delhi 3-1 in their first match. Forward Ashish Mayla scored two stunning second half goals after Aman Khan equalised in the later part of first half with a calm finish.
In their second match, Zinc Football team came out with a hard-earned point after a 2-2 draw versus CRPF Jalandhar. The young boys from Zawar led twice in the match courtesy of goals by Jangminthang Haokip and Ashish Mayla, but eventually conceded the equalisers albeit an outstanding defensive performance against the strong men.
With four points from two matches, Zinc Football could only manage the second spot in Group A due to goal difference.
