History created. Semi-finals, here we come…
Our Zinc Football Academy delivered a statement performance in the quarter-final, defeating TYDA 3-0 to book their place in the semi-finals of the AIFF U-18 Elite League 2025–26. This historic victory confirms ZFA as one of the top four teams in the country, marking the first time in the academy’s history that the team has reached the semi-final stage.
Heading into the knockout clash, there was no shortage of motivation, but also a sense of tension in the air. ZFA had never progressed beyond the quarter-finals in this competition. With the stakes higher than ever, the young boys rose to the occasion in emphatic fashion.
From the very first whistle, ZFA asserted complete control over the game, dominating possession and dictating the tempo throughout. Their breakthrough came in the first half.
Top scorer Ashish Chetry found the back of the net to give ZFA a deserved lead, breaking the deadlock and returning to scoring form at the perfect time.
1-0 at half-time. Control established.
The second half saw ZFA raise the intensity even further. Right-back Shourya produced a brilliant moment, winning the ball high up the pitch with a perfectly timed tackle before playing it forward to Ashish. The striker turned provider this time, delivering a precise ball into the box for Nikhil Gope, who finished calmly to double the advantage.
With momentum firmly on our side, ZFA continued to press and sealed the result in the final quarter of the match. Substitute Imran Ansari capitalized on a defensive error, latching onto a loose ball after a misjudgment from the TYDA goalkeeper. He slotted it into an open net to make it 3-0.
A complete performance. Dominant, disciplined, and clinical when it mattered most.
The final whistle marked not just a victory, but a milestone moment in ZFA’s journey.
Into the Semi-finals. Among the four best teams in the country.️
Up next, ZFA will face Bengaluru FC, who overcame Jamshedpur FC in their quarter-final clash. The semi-final promises to be a cracker and will be played tomorrow at 4:30 PM.
One step away from the final. Let’s go!
