ISL 2024-25: Apuia’s Screamer Seals ISL Final Berth for Mohun Bagan Super Giant

In a night that will be etched into Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s rich legacy, Lalengmawia Ralte, famously known as Apuia, delivered a thunderbolt in stoppage time to secure a 2-0 win (3-2 on aggregate) over Jamshedpur FC in the second leg of the Indian Super League 2024-25 semi-final at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.

The Kolkata giants, with this remarkable turnaround, have now entered their third consecutive ISL final and will face Bengaluru FC on April 12 at the same venue.

A Tale of Grit and Redemption

Having suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat in the first leg, the Mariners knew they needed nothing short of excellence on their home turf. Right from kick-off, they displayed aggression and urgency, spearheaded by Liston Colaco’s penetrative runs down the right flank. His early cross in the 16th minute caused havoc inside the Jamshedpur box, although Jason Cummings couldn’t keep his volley on target.

The duo of Colaco and Cummings continued to probe the Jamshedpur defence. Around the 30-minute mark, their creative interplay allowed Asish Rai to deliver a clever header into the Australian forward’s path. However, Cummings’ mishit effort was comfortably handled by Jamshedpur custodian Albino Gomes.

Cummings Converts from the Spot

It wasn’t until after the break that the home crowd found a reason to erupt. In the 51st minute, a handball by Pronay Halder inside the area gifted Mohun Bagan a lifeline. Stepping up with trademark composure, Cummings dispatched the penalty with surgical precision into the bottom right, leveling the aggregate at 2-2.

With momentum on their side, the Mariners continued to press for the go-ahead goal. Colaco’s corner in the 79th minute nearly found Alberto Rodriguez, but Jamshedpur’s disciplined backline cleared the danger. The rebound fell to Cummings again, but under pressure and off balance, his attempt curled just over the bar.

A Moment of Brilliance from Apuia as He Rises to the Occasion

When extra time seemed imminent, Anirudh Thapa and Apuia combined for what would become the defining moment of the contest. In the dying seconds of regulation time, Thapa’s intelligent pass found Apuia just outside the penalty arc. Without hesitation, the midfielder unleashed a ferocious right-footed strike that swerved into the top right corner of the net, leaving the goalkeeper rooted and the crowd in raptures.

Apuia’s performance was more than just about the goal. He completed 66 of his 69 attempted passes, contributed with one cross, one clearance, two tackles, and created three scoring chances throughout the game.

The goal crowned an all-round masterclass by the former Mumbai City FC player, underscoring his evolution as a decisive presence in high-stakes fixtures.

Set for the Grand Finale

With the 3-2 aggregate triumph, Mohun Bagan Super Giant have earned a shot at lifting the ISL trophy once again. Their journey has been one of determination, tactical maturity, and individual brilliance. The final showdown against Bengaluru FC promises to be a spectacle, featuring two sides with contrasting styles but shared ambition.

For Jamshedpur FC, the dream run ends here. Despite their first-leg advantage and spirited resistance, they couldn’t weather Mohun Bagan’s relentless second-leg surge. As they bow out of the competition, they leave behind a season of progress and potential to build upon.

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