MATCH 8: Sports Mania v Zinc Football Academy

Pune, 27st January: Sports Mania suffered their first ‘home game loss’ loss after group toppers Zinc Football Academy handed them a 1-4 loss Round-8 of the AIFF Elite Youth League at Sports Arena Turf, Wakad on Saturday.

The Group-H encounter was Sports Mania’s second loss in the league and the second to Zinc Football Academy after losing the ‘away leg’ game earlier in the month.

Sports Mania got off on the backfoot conceding a goal in the opening minute when Zinc F.A’s Nikhil Gope netted. Five minutes later, Sports Mania fought back to equalise when Prithviraj Patil (6th) levelled the scoreline. At half-time the score remained 1-1.

Switching halves visitors Zinc F.C were quick off the mark with Himanshu (47th) giving Zinc the lead (2-1). Three minutes later Himesh Meena (50th) increased the tally (3-1). With their backs to the wall, Zinc F.A added another through Himesh Meena (65th) to close the tally at 4-1.

Despite the loss Sports Mania still occupy second place on the table with 16 points (2 losses, 1 draw) behind Zinc F.A who have 24 points. With two rounds to go in the league, Sports Mania next play Maharashtra Oranje F.A in an ‘away’ encounter.