Zinc Football Academy (ZFA) concluded their remarkable journey in the AIFF U-18 Elite League 2025-26 by finishing as runners-up after a 0-3 defeat to Punjab FC in the final held in Mahilpur, Punjab. This marked ZFA's first appearance in the league final, showcasing their growth throughout the tournament. The match was tightly contested in the first half, with both teams displaying strong performances and creating several scoring opportunities. However, the turning point came in the second half when Punjab FC scored two goals within two minutes, effectively taking control of the match. Despite ZFA's efforts to mount a comeback, Punjab FC added a third goal, sealing their victory. ZFA's journey, from reaching the semi-finals to the final, has set a new benchmark for the academy. Notably, goalkeeper Smarnik Thapa received the accolade of Goalkeeper of the Tournament for his exceptional performances throughout the league.