Through to the Quarter-finals!

In a do-or-die final Group C encounter, Zinc Football Academy delivered when it mattered the most, defeating ASUFII FC in a thrilling seven-goal contest to seal qualification for the quarter-finals.

With only a win enough to book their place in the final eight, ZFA began the match with intent and urgency and were rewarded early. The opening goal came in fortunate fashion, as striker Ashish Chetry’s dangerous cross into the box forced an ASUFII FC defender into turning the ball into his own net.

Moments later, ZFA doubled the advantage from a set-piece. A well-delivered corner found Zawar’s local talent Sahil Meena, who rose highest to power home a towering header. Making his first appearance of the final round in place of the suspended Rishant, Sahil made an immediate impact.

At 2-0, ZFA looked in complete control. But football had other plans. In a dramatic twist, ASUFII FC responded with three quick goals before half-time, turning the game on its head and taking a 3-2 lead. With ZFA’s qualification hopes hanging by a thread, the game demanded a response.

And it came just in time.

On the stroke of half-time, ZFA were awarded a penalty. In-form winger Himanshu stepped up and calmly dispatched it into the top corner, restoring parity in a pulsating first half.

3-3 at the break. Everything to play for.

Knowing that a draw wouldn’t be enough, ZFA pushed relentlessly in the second half, searching for the decisive goal. Chances came, but the breakthrough remained elusive… until late in the game.

Substitute Muzakir proved to be the difference-maker. Reacting quickest to a loose ball inside the box, he slotted it home to give ZFA a crucial 4-3 lead, sending the bench into celebration. The final 10 minutes tested ZFA’s composure, but the team stood firm. Organized and disciplined, they shut out ASUFII FC’s attacks and saw out the game with maturity and determination.

The final whistle confirmed a memorable victory in a true see-saw battle.
ZFA are through to the Quarter-finals. Finishing strong when it mattered most, the boys from Zawar now advance to face Group D winners TYDA in the next stage.

All eyes on the knockouts.