ISL 2024-25: Apuia's Late Stunner Propels Mohun Bagan Super Giant Past Jamshedpur FC
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Synopsis
Mohun Bagan Super Giant has advanced to the finals of the ISL 2024-25 after a thrilling 3-2 aggregate victory over Jamshedpur FC. After losing the first leg, MBSG secured a decisive win in the second leg, showcasing stellar performances and resilience.
Key Takeaways
- Mohun Bagan Super Giant qualifies for ISL final.
- Cummings converted a crucial penalty.
- Apuia's late goal secured victory.
- MBSG will face Bengaluru FC in the final.
- Jamshedpur FC's season ends with this defeat.
Kolkata, April 7 (NationPress) Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) secured their third consecutive appearance in the final of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Monday, achieving a 3-2 aggregate victory over Jamshedpur FC in the semi-final match-up.
After suffering a 2-1 defeat in the first leg last week, MBSG bounced back with a 2-0 win against the Men of Steel during the second leg at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium tonight, setting the stage for a showdown against Bengaluru FC in the final.
Showing a proactive approach right from the start, Liston Colaco tested the Jamshedpur FC defense on the right side, delivering a powerful cross into the 18-yard box in the 16th minute. Although the defense cleared the ball, Jason Cummings seized the opportunity at the edge of the penalty area, firing a shot that sailed over the goal.
After the half-hour mark, Colaco and Cummings combined again, with Colaco passing to the center from the right. Quick passes led to Asish Rai making a precise header towards Cummings. However, he couldn't adjust in time, resulting in a weak effort that was saved by Albino Gomes.
Cummings, who was a constant threat in the final third throughout the match, finally made his mark in the 51st minute by converting a penalty with ease. A handball by Pronay Halder granted MBSG a chance to score, and Cummings calmly drilled the ball into the bottom right corner, leveling the aggregate to 2-2.
In the 79th minute, Colaco's corner aimed for Alberto Rodriguez but was thwarted by a well-organized Jamshedpur FC defense. Cummings then capitalized on a loose ball on the right side of the box, attempting to find the top left corner but missing the mark.
Ultimately, it took the dynamic Indian midfield partnership of Anirudh Thapa and Lalengmawia Ralte to secure MBSG's place in the final. Thapa's pass in stoppage time found Ralte outside the box, and instead of building up the play, the former Mumbai City FC player took a chance from distance that struck the top right corner of the net, giving the home side a shot at the ISL Cup on Saturday.
Thapa completed 66 of his 69 passes, had one clearance and cross each, made two tackles, created three scoring chances, and scored the decisive goal.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant will face Bengaluru FC in the ISL 2024-25 final on April 12, while Jamshedpur FC's season comes to an end with this loss.
