With qualification already secured, our Zinc Football Academy girls stepped onto the pitch for their final Group A fixture against KMP Aspire FC, aiming to finish top of the table… and the team delivered in style.

ZFA registered a comfortable 4–1 victory to seal top spot in Group A, ensuring a more favorable draw heading into the quarter-finals of the inaugural AIFF U-17 Women’s Youth League in Narainpur, Chhattisgarh.

After a composed start, it was the in-form Dangi Mardi who broke the deadlock in the 20th minute, finishing clinically from inside the box to give ZFA the lead. KMP Aspire FC found a way back into the game through an unfortunate moment for ZFA, as a misjudged clearance by the centre-back resulted in an own goal, bringing the score level.

However, the response was immediate and decisive. Just before the halftime whistle, Dangi Mardi struck again, restoring ZFA’s lead with her second goal of the match to make it 2–1 at the break.

The second half saw ZFA take complete control of proceedings. Antra Dolui extended the lead in the 70th minute with a well-taken goal, continuing her impressive run of form in the tournament. Joha Khan then capped off a strong team performance with a stunning long-range effort, sealing a 4–1 win and an emphatic finish to the group stage.

Three matches, three wins, top of the table… ZFA’s group stage campaign has been nothing short of dominant.

Attention now turns to the knockout stage, where ZFA will face host side RKM Football Academy in the quarter-final on Friday. The challenge gets tougher, but the momentum is firmly with the girls.