Brave fight falls just short in Imphal…
Zinc Football Academy suffered a narrow 1–2 defeat against TRAU FC in their third Group B fixture of the I-League 3, in a hard-fought contest in Imphal.
Facing a physically strong and experienced TRAU FC side, ZFA knew the challenge would be significant… especially with the added advantage of the home crowd backing the hosts. TRAU FC made their intent clear early.
The hosts struck twice in the opening phase of the match through spot-kicks, capitalising on ZFA’s slow start to take a firm 2–0 lead withn the first 20 minutes. With the young ZFA side still settling into the rhythm of the game… after a demanding run of back-to-back matches stretching from their Rajasthan League campaign, the early setback proved costly.
But ZFA responded.
Gradually growing into the contest, ZFA began to impose themselves physically and tactically, matching TRAU FC more effectively after the initial 20 minutes. The breakthrough came in the 35th minute. In-form winger Abith was in the right place at the right time to pull one back for ZFA, giving the team renewed belief heading into the closing stages of the first half.
ZFA thought they had found the equaliser just before the break.
However, the goal was ruled out, with the referee adjudging a foul on the TRAU FC goalkeeper, denying ZFA what could have been a crucial moment in the match.
The second half began with renewed intensity.
Inside the dressing room at halftime, the message was clear… belief, fight, and a reminder of the team’s comeback in the previous match against Mumbay FC. The players responded with energy and intent, delivering a disciplined and spirited performance after the restart.
ZFA controlled phases of the game, maintained their shape well, and pushed forward in search of an equaliser. But despite their efforts, the decisive goal remained elusive.
As the match wore on, ZFA threw everything forward in the dying minutes, but TRAU FC held firm, backed by their home support, to secure all three points.
The fight continues.
