Raphael Messi Bouli scores inside 39 seconds and strikes again in stoppage time to seal Punjab FC’s 2-1 win over Odisha FC in New Delhi.

Kolkata, October 14: Raphael Messi Bouli struck twice, including a dramatic stoppage-time winner, as Punjab FC began their Indian Super League (ISL) 2026–27 campaign with a thrilling 2–1 victory over Odisha FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Messi Bouli opened the scoring just 39 seconds after kick-off before Thoiba Singh restored parity for Odisha FC in the 15th minute. With the contest seemingly heading towards a draw, the Punjab FC forward delivered the decisive blow in the 90+6th minute to secure all three points for the hosts. His match-winning performance also earned him the Player of the Match award.

The opening goal arrived almost immediately. Punjab FC launched a swift attack down the right, with Muhammed Uvais sending a dangerous cross into the penalty area. Messi Bouli anticipated the delivery perfectly and finished with his right foot from close range, finding the bottom-right corner. The strike, timed at just 39 seconds, ranks as the sixth-fastest goal in ISL history.

Odisha FC responded well to falling behind early and drew level in the 15th minute. Following a corner, captain Lalthathanga Khawlhring delivered an accurate ball into the box, where Thoiba Singh rose above the defenders to guide a header beyond Punjab goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh.

The equaliser sparked an engaging contest, with both teams looking to gain control. Punjab FC created several promising opportunities through Muhammad Suhail, who was influential on the left wing. Bijoy Varghese came close to restoring the hosts’ advantage around the half-hour mark, but his header from Khaiminthang Lhungdim’s cross narrowly missed the target.

Ricky Shabong threatened again before the interval, sending a powerful effort just wide of the right post after receiving a pass from Suhail. Odisha also had a chance to make an impact before half-time, but Stephen Eze’s long-range attempt sailed over the crossbar. The teams went into the break level at 1–1.

Punjab FC returned for the second half determined to find a winner. Messi Bouli missed an opportunity from the centre of the box in the 51st minute before setting up Alfred Planas for a powerful effort that was blocked by the Odisha defence.

The Shers continued to apply pressure as the hour mark approached. Diego Raposo tested Odisha goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari, who responded with a sharp diving save. Punjab subsequently introduced academy graduate Bishu Sharma in the 68th minute, replacing Raposo in an effort to maintain their attacking momentum.

Tiwari became increasingly important for Odisha as Punjab pushed forward. The goalkeeper denied another dangerous Messi Bouli attempt in the 74th minute, helping the visitors remain in contention despite sustained pressure.

Odisha, meanwhile, looked to exploit opportunities on the counterattack. Mahmoud Eid forced Arshdeep Singh into action in the 80th minute with a driven shot towards the bottom-left corner, but the Punjab goalkeeper reacted well to keep the scores level.

Punjab continued to search for a decisive breakthrough. Tiwari denied substitute Gurkirat Singh in the 86th minute, while Uvais sent a left-footed effort narrowly wide as the hosts pressed for a late goal.

The drama intensified in stoppage time. Arshdeep comfortably dealt with Nihal Sudheesh’s attempt in the 95th minute before Suhair VP missed an opportunity for Odisha, dragging his right-footed shot wide of the left post.

Punjab FC made the most of that reprieve. In the sixth minute of added time, Bishu Sharma played a well-timed pass into the penalty area, creating the opening Messi Bouli needed. The forward kept his composure and finished with his left foot into the bottom-left corner, sparking celebrations among the home supporters.

The late strike completed a memorable brace for Messi Bouli, who had opened the scoring within the first minute and then delivered the decisive finish at the other end of the contest. Despite Tiwari’s impressive performance between the posts, Odisha FC could not prevent Punjab from claiming a dramatic opening-night victory.

The 2–1 result gives Punjab FC a winning start to their ISL 2026–27 campaign, while Odisha FC are left to reflect on missed opportunities after pushing the contest deep into stoppage time.