Ralte’s late thunderbolt, Mohun Bagan Super Giant in ISL Final|
Something was different on Monday night at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium. A tremendous semi-final was held in front of over 58,000 fans where Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) defeated Jamshedpur FC (JFC) 2-0 to make it to the ISL 2024-25 final.
Ralte’s rocket goal came at 90+4
The players of Mohun Bagan were taking shots all night, but were either missing or saving the goals. But just when it seemed that the match would go into extra time, Apuia Ralte hit a shot from 25 yards that beat goalkeeper Albino Gomes and went into the goal. The crowd went wild – full celebration mode on.
Cummings’ penalty goal and Halder’s bad luck
The first goal of the match came in the 51st minute when Jason Cummings scored a penalty. He got this penalty because Pronay Halder’s hand got hit by the ball during the corner. The irony was that Halder seemed to be JFC’s best defender throughout the match, but his hand was behind both the goals – first a handball and then a tired mispass, which resulted in Ralte’s goal.
Jamshedpur FC’s defence did wonders
JFC defended with complete courage. Gomes was at a different level – especially his save on Jamie Maclaren’s header in the 59th minute – perhaps the best save of the match. Ashique Kuruniyan also tried a lot from the left wing, dodged the defenders, but did not get any end product. Coach Khalid Jamil’s inspired move was to make Seiminlen Doungel a left back – he made some good tackles and kept the pressure.
Mohun Bagan – tough route, but reached the final
History-wise, ISL semi-finals have always been tough for Mohun Bagan. But this time too they chose the “hard way” – first leg, second leg with late goals comeback. But this is also their strength – the habit of winning under pressure. Coach Jose Molina had said, “We have to find the balance – we have to stay calm but also push”. And MBSG did exactly that – won the game with patience.
Next stop: Final vs Bengaluru FC
After an aggregate 3-2 win, now MBSG has a final against Bengaluru FC on Saturday. If Mohun Bagan wins, it will be their first ISL double – League Shield + Championship Trophy.
So brother, Mohun Bagan showed how important it is to fight till the last moment. The goal in the match became memorable, and now let’s see who continues the magic in the final too.
