ISL 2024-25: Mohun Bagan Win Dramatic Semifinal 2nd Leg vs Jamshedpur FC, Apuia Ralte Scores Stoppage Time Winner

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In a night dripping with drama at a packed Salt Lake Stadium, Mohun Bagan scripted one of their greatest comebacks, defeating Jamshedpur FC 2-0 in the second leg of the ISL 2024-25 semifinal.

Apuia Ralte's breathtaking 94th-minute strike proved to be the difference, overturning a 1-2 deficit from the first leg and sealing a 3-2 aggregate victory for the Mariners, who now march into the final to face Bengaluru FC.

From the opening whistle, Mohun Bagan played with urgency and intensity, roared on by over 50,000 passionate supporters. Jamshedpur FC, sitting on a slender first-leg advantage, adopted a compact low block and looked to frustrate the hosts. Mohun Bagan had their chances-Jason Cummings saw multiple efforts thwarted by Albino Gomes, who was in inspired form for JFC.

The first half ended goalless, but the signs of a breakthrough were growing stronger for the Mariners. Liston Colaco and Ashique Kuruniyan were lively on the flanks, Apuia and Thapa dictated the tempo, and the crowd stayed on its feet as wave after wave of attack tested Jamshedpur's defensive discipline.

The breakthrough finally came in the 51st minute. A handball inside the box by Pronay Halder handed Mohun Bagan a lifeline. Jason Cummings stepped up and coolly converted from the spot, leveling the aggregate score at 2-2. With the away goals rule in play, Jamshedpur still held the edge, meaning the Mariners needed one more goal.

Substitutions followed. Dimitri Petratos entered the fray in the 81st minute as Antonio Habas searched for inspiration. Colaco and Manvir tried to carve open the stubborn JFC defence, while Maclaren forced a crucial late save. Time ticked down, and Jamshedpur, despite their backs to the wall, looked like they might just survive.

Then came the moment of magic. In the dying seconds of stoppage time, with extra time looming, Sahal Abdul Samad played a short pass to Thapa, who spotted Apuia in space just outside the box. What followed was sheer brilliance. Apuia took a touch and curled a stunning right-footer beyond Albino Gomes, a shot that seemed to freeze time before rippling the net.

Pandemonium erupted inside the Salt Lake Stadium. Apuia sprinted toward the corner flag, mobbed by his teammates, as the Mohun Bagan faithful erupted in unison. There was barely time for Jamshedpur to restart before the referee's whistle confirmed the Mariners' place in the final.

It was heartbreak for Jamshedpur FC, who had defended valiantly throughout the tie but were undone by a moment of late genius. Albino Gomes, despite his heroics, could only watch as Apuia's strike flew past him.

Mohun Bagan now set their sights on Bengaluru FC in the ISL 2024-25 final on April 12-a heavyweight clash that promises fireworks. But for now, the night belongs to Apuia Ralte and the Mariners, who proved yet again that in football, it isn't over until it's truly over.