KOLKATA, April 7: Mohun Bagan Super Giant defeated Jamshedpur FC 2-0 on the night and 3-2 on aggregate to book their place in the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) final at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Monday.
The Red Miners had a 2-1 advantage from the first leg at the JRD Tata Sports Complex. Jason Cummings and Apiua scored on the night to see the Mariners through to the summit clash.
Blood had been drawn in the reverse fixture, and the home fans did not disappoint, turning up in numbers to lend their voice in the chorus for a fight.
And a fight it was from the first minute itself.
Ashique Kuruniyan looked lively on the left wing, he sent in a dangerous-looking cross but there was no one attacking the goal. He then found Anirudh Thapa, but the latter’s shot was somehow turned away.
Jamshedpur were more than happy to sit back and defend, only venturing forward with counters. Jordan Murray and Javi Hernandez tried their luck but did not bother Vishal Kaith in the Mohun Bagan goal.
In the 37th minute, Cummings tried to curl his shot around the keeper, past the defence and into the far post, but Albino Gomes madea stunning save low down to his right to deny Mariners the lead.
In the 50th minute, Lazar Cirkovic did well to concede a corner, which Cummings went up to take. He whipped in a dangerous ball as Pranoy Halder just could not get his hand out of the way. The referee spotted the infraction and was quick to point to the spot. Cummings stepped and sent Albino the wrong way to hand Mohun Bagan the lead in the game and made it 2-2 on aggregate.
In the third minute of added time, Liston sent in a cross from the left as Pranoy blocked and tried to run out with the ball. He lost possession to Thapa, who calmly passed it on for Apia, who took a touch and blasted the ball into the right corner to send the 58,123-strong crowd at the Salt Lake into delirium. (Agencies)