Brave fight, but our debut I-League 3 campaign ends in Imphal.

Zinc Football Academy’s debut I-League 3 campaign came to an end following a hard-fought 1–1 draw against Clube de Salgaocar in the final Group B fixture played at the SAI Turf Ground in Imphal, Manipur.

It was a must-win encounter.

And not just that. A win by a significant margin was needed to keep qualification hopes alive. The young side from Zawar stepped onto the pitch with intent, fully aware of the task at hand. However, despite a positive approach and control in phases, the first half ended goalless.

The breakthrough finally arrived late in the game.

In the 78th minute, substitute winger Anshid capitalised on a defensive error, reacting quickest to a misplaced clearance under pressure. Showing composure while on the run, he finished clinically past the goalkeeper to give ZFA a crucial 1–0 lead.

Momentum had shifted and the belief was growing.

ZFA pushed forward in search of the second goal that could tilt qualification in our favour. But football, once again, proved to be a game of fine margins.

In the 84th minute, CD Salgaocar struck back on the counter, finding the equaliser and setting up a tense finish.
What followed was an end-to-end battle.

Both sides searched for a winner, creating chances in the closing stages, but neither could find the decisive breakthrough. The final whistle confirmed a 1-1 draw… bringing an end to ZFA’s journey in Group B.

With this result, ZFA, CD Salgaocar, and Mumbay FC are all out of contention for qualification, while the group winner will be decided between TRAU FC and Samaleshwari SC.

For ZFA, however, the campaign has been about much more than just results.

In our debut season at this level, the young squad has shown a lot of courage and quality… outshining stronger opponents in phases and also competing strongly against experienced opposition. Every player left their heart and soul on the pitch.

Football is a game of inches. And today, those inches did not tilt in ZFA’s favour.

But the foundation has been laid. And the journey has only just begun.
We are proud of the fight!