All to play for…

Our Zinc Football Academy senior team head into their final Group B fixture of the I-League 3, taking on Clube de Salgaocar in an early 9 AM kick-off in Imphal on 6th May, Wednesday.

With qualification scenarios still alive, this clash carries everything on the line. ZFA currently sit third in the standings with four points from three matches, having registered a win against Samaleshwari SC, a draw against Mumbay FC, and a narrow loss to hosts TRAU FC. Salgaocar, meanwhile, are just behind in fourth place with three points.

At the top of Group B, TRAU FC lead with seven points, followed by Samaleshwari SC with six. While Mumbai FC are out of contention, the remaining teams still have a mathematical chance of progressing to the next round.

The equation is clear for ZFA.

A strong win is essential… but qualification will also depend on the outcome of the match between TRAU FC and Samaleshwari SC. While finishing top of the group looks unlikely, a second-place finish could still be enough, with the two best second-placed teams across the four groups advancing further.

ZFA’s debut I-League 3 campaign has been a story of pendulum swings.

An emphatic 3–1 win in our opening match set the tone, followed by a dramatic 2–2 draw against Mumbay FC that highlighted their resilience. The narrow 2–1 defeat to TRAU FC in the previous outing has only added to the intensity of the group heading into the final day.

After a demanding run of fixtures, with matches coming every other day, the squad finally comes into this game with a much-needed three-day break. That recovery period could prove crucial as the team prepares for one last push.

Regardless of how the results unfold, this campaign has already marked an important chapter for ZFA. Competing at this level, the young squad has shown growth and the ability to match strong opposition at any given situation. Now, one final challenge awaits.

A must-win. A waiting game. A chance to believe. Let’s go, ZFA!