If you look at Steps 19, 20 & 21 in this guide Mac mini (2024) Fan Replacement you should be able to see how the ZIF connector works.
You need to carefully lift the compression latch off of the ribbon cable in Step 20 we can see in the two images the lifting of the latch to release the pressure on the cable.
As the cable is already free this step is needed to open the slot. Next after moving aside the covering which is attached to the cable as seen in Step 19 to gain access the the ribbons connector underneath (here we need to get it away so we can insert the cable)
You just need to thread the ribbon into the slot like threading a needle. Make sure you feed the ribbon connector end squarely and evenly until it bottom's out. If we look at Steps 19 first image we can see just a little bit of the gold contacts of the ribbon are visible.
That should do it if you are still, having issues I think a picture of the cable and the connector might be needed to get a better idea what you are facing.
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Which cable? Can you explain a bit more on what you doing.
crwdns2934271:0crwdnd2934271:0 Dan crwdne2934271:0