New Delhi, October 14: Punjab FC began their MG Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 campaign in spectacular fashion, securing a dramatic 2-1 victory over Odisha FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Wednesday. Messi Bouli emerged as the hero, scoring a stoppage-time winner in the 90+5th minute to seal all three points for the Shers.

Punjab FC made an immediate impact, taking the lead inside the opening minute. Muhammed Uvais delivered a cross into the penalty area, which Bouli converted with a right-footed finish into the bottom-right corner.

Odisha FC responded in the 15th minute through a set-piece opportunity. Lalthathanga Khawlhring delivered a corner into the box, and Thoiba Moirangthem rose to head the ball into the bottom-right corner, restoring parity at 1-1.

Both teams created opportunities before the interval, but neither could find another breakthrough. Alfred Planas tested Odisha goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari, while Mahmoud Eid missed an opportunity from inside the box. Punjab FC also threatened through Ricky Shabong and Bijoy Varghese, while Stephen Eze attempted a long-range effort in first-half stoppage time.

The intensity continued after the restart, with Odisha’s Giorgi Aburjania coming close in the 46th minute before sending his effort over the crossbar. Bouli missed the target five minutes later as Punjab looked to regain the lead.

Punjab FC gradually increased the pressure, with Planas firing over in the 56th minute before Tiwari produced a save to deny Diego Raposo. Bijoy Varghese also came close with a header in the 61st minute but failed to hit the target.

Odisha introduced Éverton Nascimento and Lalrinfela Khiangte in the 64th minute, hoping to gain an attacking advantage. The Juggernauts threatened through late set-pieces, with Rahim Ali and Eze attempting headers around the 80th minute. Mahmoud Eid also tested Punjab goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh from distance, but the custodian stood firm.

Punjab continued searching for a winner, and Tiwari made another important save to deny substitute Gurkirat Singh in the 85th minute. Uvais also went close with a long-range attempt shortly afterwards.

Odisha nearly snatched the winner in stoppage time, but Arshdeep denied Nihal Sudheesh in the 90+5th minute. Punjab immediately launched an attack at the other end, with Vishal Yadav setting up Bouli inside the box. The forward finished with his left foot to complete his brace and secure a memorable opening-day victory for Punjab FC.

Messi Bouli Scripts ISL History

Raphaël Messi Bouli scripted a memorable night in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 season, scoring twice to help Punjab FC secure a dramatic 2-1 victory over Odisha FC in New Delhi on October 14.

Bouli opened the scoring just 38 seconds into the contest, registering the fastest goal of the ongoing ISL season. The forward then delivered a decisive finish in the 90+5th minute to seal all three points for Punjab FC.

With his goals coming at the very beginning and the very end of the match, Bouli became the first player in ISL history to score both the opening and final goals of the same match. His remarkable brace also made him the hero of Punjab FC’s campaign opener, giving the Shers a winning start to the season.