Late Asif Volley Rescues Zinc Football Academy in Thrilling Draw Against Mumbay FC

Zinc Football Academy produced another spirited performance in the I-League 3 group stage, fighting back dramatically to secure a 2-2 draw against Mumbay FC in their second Group B fixture at the SAI Turf Ground in Imphal on Wednesday.

A stunning stoppage-time volley from substitute SK Asif rescued a valuable point for the Rajasthan-based side in a match that swung repeatedly in momentum and intensity. The result keeps Zinc Football Academy firmly on top of Group B with four points from two matches, further strengthening their early campaign in the national competition. While the scoreline reflected an evenly matched contest, the encounter also highlighted the tactical maturity and resilience of one of India’s fastest-rising grassroots football academies.

Mumbay FC began the contest aggressively and immediately attempted to impose themselves physically. Relying heavily on direct football, long balls, and quick second-ball recoveries, the Mumbai side disrupted Zinc Football Academy’s rhythm during the opening stages. Their experience and physical presence created early pressure, particularly against ZFA’s defensive structure.

Recognising the challenge, the coaching staff reacted swiftly. Around the 15-minute mark, Zinc Football Academy adjusted their formation from a 4-1-4-1 setup into a more aggressive 4-4-2 shape designed to press higher up the pitch and prevent Mumbay FC’s centre-backs from comfortably building attacks. The tactical switch changed the flow of the game.

Tactical adjustment changes momentum

Once the formation change settled in, ZFA began competing more effectively in midfield and started controlling larger phases of possession. The two-striker system allowed them to close passing lanes quicker while also providing greater support during transitions. The midfield became more compact, helping the side deal better with Mumbay FC’s direct approach. Gradually, Zinc Football Academy began finding spaces down the flanks, with winger Abith emerging as one of the key attacking outlets. Both sides created half-chances through the remainder of the first half, but neither goalkeeper was seriously troubled as the teams entered halftime level at 0-0.

The momentum that Zinc Football Academy built late in the opening half carried into the restart. Shortly after the break, Abith produced a dangerous attacking move down the left flank, once again showcasing his creativity and pace. The winger delivered an inviting cross into the penalty area where experienced striker Naro Hari Shrestha timed his run perfectly. The forward calmly finished from close range to hand ZFA a deserved 1-0 lead.

The goal reflected the academy’s improved attacking structure after the tactical reshuffle and rewarded their growing confidence in possession. However, the lead lasted only a few minutes. Mumbay FC responded quickly through a set-piece situation, capitalising on a defensive lapse to bring themselves back level at 1-1. The equaliser shifted momentum once again in what had become an increasingly open and physical contest.

From that point onward, the game became stretched, with both teams pushing aggressively for a winning goal. Challenges intensified across midfield while transitions became faster and more direct.

Just when the match appeared headed toward a draw, Zinc Football Academy suffered a major setback in stoppage time. A defensive disruption caused by a head injury to one of the centre-backs created confusion inside the penalty area. Mumbay FC reacted quickest to the loose situation, winning possession inside the box before converting clinically in the 92nd minute to take a 2-1 lead. After controlling significant periods of the second half, the goal felt particularly harsh on the young ZFA side.

Yet the response that followed once again underlined the character within the squad. With almost no time remaining, Zinc Football Academy committed numbers forward in search of a final opportunity. Their persistence paid off in the 93rd minute. Substitute SK Asif produced the defining moment of the match when he connected brilliantly with a loose ball and fired a spectacular volley into the net, sparking celebrations on the ZFA bench. The quality of the finish capped a dramatic contest and ensured the academy left Imphal with a deserved point.

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More importantly, the late equaliser demonstrated the mental resilience and belief that has increasingly become a hallmark of the side. Although Zinc Football Academy narrowly missed out on all three points, the performance once again reinforced why the academy continues to gain recognition in Indian football circles. Established in 2017 and based in Zawar, Rajasthan, the AIFF-accredited three-star academy has developed a strong reputation for identifying and nurturing talent from rural India.

The institution has trained more than 5,000 young footballers since its inception and has steadily built one of the country’s most ambitious grassroots football ecosystems. Beyond results on the pitch, the academy’s philosophy combines elite-level football training with education, personality development, and long-term athlete support. Their growing competitiveness in national competitions like the I-League 3 reflects the progress of that broader development structure.

The draw keeps Zinc Football Academy unbeaten and at the top of Group B with four points from two matches. While the dropped points may leave some disappointment given their strong second-half performance, the ability to recover from adversity late in the match could prove equally valuable as the tournament progresses. With momentum building and confidence growing inside the squad, Zinc Football Academy’s young group continues to show they are capable of competing strongly against experienced opposition on the national stage.