Lalengmawia Ralte, widely known as Apuia, has now become the most talked-about footballer among the Mariners in recent hours. The Aizawl-born midfielder's last-minute worldie strike propelled Mohun Bagan Super Giant into the Indian Super League (ISL) final for the third consecutive season.

The Mariners were trailing 2-1 on aggregate going into the second-leg semi-final and were looking for a win by a two-goal margin to seal their spot in the Cup final. Jamshedpur FC, despite missing key players like Stephen Eze, Ashutosh Mehta, and Mobashir Rahman due to suspension, displayed a valiant fighting performance throughout the game. Khalid Jamil’s compact defensive setup held strong for most of the match, but couldn't withstand MBSG’s relentless attack.

Jose Molina’s side recorded 71 penalty area entries – the most by any team in a single game in ISL history – and 99 final third entries, the highest by any side in the 2024-25 season. Despite such fluent attacking prowess and smooth operations from both flanks, MBSG found it hard to overcome Albino Gomes and break down Jamshedpur FC’s sturdy defensive line. But eventually, Jason Cummings’s penalty strike and Apuia’s injury-time winner got the job done as the Mariners marched into the mega final.

The 'Player of the Match' believed there was no specific planning behind the late stunner; rather, it was the collective effort and belief of the squad that made the difference in crunch time.

“There is no such strategy to score in the last minute. We're trying even from the first minute, but somehow, we managed to score in the last minute. That's a good part,” he said.

“I think it's because of the belief. Everyone is believing in each other; that's how we do it. There is no such strategy to score in the last minute,” he added.

Apuia’s precise right-footed shot from the edge of the box soared past a diving Albino Gomes and found the back of the net, sending the Mariners into raptures. The match-winner was left spellbound with thrill and awe after unleashing the screamer, saying: “Yeah, it was really blank. I didn't even know how to celebrate.

"Because, as we have already said, I didn't score for a long time. And today I scored and helped the team. And when I scored, I didn't even know what to do.”

Apuia wanted to dedicate his goal to his cousin Freedy, who has been by his side since his move to Kolkata, helping him adjust to his new surroundings. The Mohun Bagan Super Giant star searched for his well-wisher in the crowd to share the special moment, but couldn’t spot him amidst the chaos in the gallery.

“I just ran and, you know, was just screaming and going to the fans. And I was shouting for my cousin brother (Freedy), because he always told me that when you score a goal, come to my side and, you know, we'll celebrate together,” he shared.

“And I'm shouting for him, but there were lots of people. I couldn't find him. But still, I did the celebration and prayed to God,” he carried on.

Apuia acknowledged that they had anticipated Jamshedpur FC’s defensive approach from the outset, which made it difficult to break the deadlock in the first half.

The dynamic midfielder also revealed that spirits were high in the Mariners’ camp during the half-time break, as the team firmly believed a comeback was on the cards—and they ultimately turned the tide in their favor.

“Yeah, we knew that they were going to make it difficult at the start. And the team talk was to believe in ourselves, because we knew that the goal would come if we believed in ourselves and played the same as we play. Not trying to do something different, and, you know, try to be selfish. And the main motivation was to believe in ourselves and know that the goal is going to come,” he opined.

Apuia, who had sustained an ankle injury against Bangladesh in the Asian Cup Qualifiers, missed the first leg in Jamshedpur, and his availability for the return leg remained uncertain. However, the Mizo midfielder recovered in time and made himself available for the high-stakes clash, showcasing his commitment to the club.

“Yeah, because of my injury, which I got when I played for India against Bangladesh, I got a very bad knock. And at first, I thought I would not be able to play both the semi-final and all the way. But when we did the MRI, the report shows it's good, but there was lots of fluid in the ankle, and with the help of the physios and the doctors, we did the rehab and received some treatments. And still today, my ankle is still in pain. I'm not 100% injury-free,” Apuia said.

“But now, as we are in the season ending, I need to push myself and take a bit of risk, and that's what I do. And the coach trusts me. Even though I'm not training with the team for a long time, he still has trust in me, and I'm very happy to help the team,” he continued.

The 24-year-old Indian international ranked his clutch goal against the Men of Steel as the most significant one thus far in his career, saying:

“If you have seen my first goal against Kerala Blasters FC when I played for NorthEast United FC, I think that was much better, but I think today's goal (against Jamshedpur FC) was more crucial because I helped the team to go through to the final.”

The League Shield winners will now lock horns against Bengaluru FC in the high-stakes ISL Cup final in Kolkata on April 12. The midfielder remained focused on clinching the Cup title as he anticipated a tough contest against the Blues, who edged out FC Goa in the semi-final.

“Bengaluru FC is not about one man because, you know, the way they play is very good. Even the coach is having very good tactics. And all the players, starting from the goalkeeper to the striker, are very good players,” he remarked.

“They even have lots of national team players. So, it will be difficult, because if you can reach the final, that means you are a very good team. So, it's not going to be easy. So, even for us, it will not be easy. But even for them, it will not be easy. So, we will give our best,” Apuia signed off.

Related tags:

Jamshedpur FCMohun Bagan Super Giant2024-2025 Lalengmawia