Do or die. The season comes down to this…

Our Zinc Football Academy team face ASUFII FC in the final Group C fixture in Mahilpur, Punjab. Nothing less than three points against the strong Manipur-based side, with a place in the quarter-finals on the line.

Back-to-back goalless draws against East Bengal FC and Reliance Foundation Young Champs have left Zinc FA in 3rd place with 2 points. Despite dominating both games, the lack of finishing in the final third means the young boys now have no margin for error.

There have been plenty of positives. The defense, marshalled brilliantly and backed by goalkeeper Smarnik Thapa, has been exceptional… two clean sheets in two games, including crucial penalty saves in both matches. A solid foundation has been laid.
But, the spotlight shifts to the attack. Led by top scorer Ashish Chetry, our frontline will need to deliver when it matters most. The chances have been created consistently… and there’s belief in the camp that today is the day it clicks.

Team news, however, brings a couple of setbacks. Left-back Rishant is suspended after accumulating two yellow cards, while centre-back Yash misses out due to an injury picked up in the previous match. But the squad depth has been a strength throughout the campaign, and the replacements will be ready to step up.

Midfielder Yungam Neri is set to start his third consecutive game, continuing his impressive run in the absence of Bryant Dihingia.

The hunger is evident. After last season’s heartbreak in the final round, Zinc FA now stand one win away from redemption and a place in the knockouts.

All or nothing.

Kick-off: 4:30 PM