India were thrashed 0-3 by Syria in their final encounter of the 2024 Intercontinental Cup at the Maidaan in Gachibowli, Hyderabad on Monday, September 9. The hosts finished last among the three teams in this tournament, ending below 179-ranked Mauritius owing to goal difference.
Manolo Marquez and Apuia’s teammates were made to run around the park chasing the ball in the first half by the valiant Syrian attackers, but when they got the opportunity to see more of it in the second, they floundered almost every chance that came their way.
Defensive midfielder Lalengmawia Ralte, known better as Apuia, was one of the biggest changes that Marquez made in the second half when he was brought on for the struggling Suresh Singh Wangjam. The latter seemed distracted and unfocused in the first half, leaving the bulk of the heavy lifting in midfield to be done by Kerala Blasters’ Jeakson Singh.
As soon as Apuia came on at the beginning of the second half, one could sense the tempo shifting in India’s favor as they began to see more of the ball. The Blue Tigers also held their shape better than they had done in the first half, allowing their attackers to create chances more frequently.
The 23-year-old’s ability to marshal the troops from midfield came in handy for Marquez as he was repeatedly seen praising his ball-playing skills. In an interesting move, center-back Anwar Ali was pushed forward to play as a central midfielder at the beginning of the second half, with Apuia manning the fort alongside former Mumbai City teammate Rahul Bheke in defense.
When IFTWC caught up with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant midfielder after the match, he seemed disheartened by the loss in front of a near sell-out stadium in Hyderabad, which was hosting its first international football tournament.
“It was a tough result to swallow – quite naturally – but we gave it our all. The boys did not leave anything in the tank at all, and although we are not happy with the result, we know that we gave our everything,” said Apuia.
Ali’s move forward into the central midfield position was another question that was addressed. Surprisingly, Apuia’s response caught us by surprise.
“It did not come from me (pushing Anwar Ali in the central midfielder’s role). Perhaps there were instructions from the coach to do so, and it just happened flawlessly. We tried to work something out in order to put more shots on goal, and this was one of the best ways for us, I feel,” said Apuia.
“We all know how dangerous he is when he goes close to the goal, and he showed it in this match as well. The fact that it happened fluidly without us quite having to talk about it is a testament to the understanding that all of us have with each other in the team,” he added.
Apuia was signed by Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the summer transfer window
Apuia was signed by Bagan in the summer transfer window in one of the biggest swoops seen in Indian football history, and the Aizawl, Mizoram-born midfielder is excited to face his former club Mumbai City in the ISL season opener in Kolkata on Friday, September 13.
It is going to be a bittersweet challenge for the former NorthEast United star given that he was one of the most vital cogs in the wheel under Petr Kratky. However, his performances for Bagan in the Durand Cup earlier this year have shown how swiftly he has moved on and accepted his role at his new club.
“There is not much time for the season opener to get underway, and I am ready for it. It is going to be an exciting game against my former club (Mumbai City). I want to give it my best. I have a lot of respect for the fans there,” Apuia signed off.
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