Punjab FC defeated Odisha FC 2-1 in their ISL 2026/27 opener in New Delhi as Messi Bouli scored twice, including a dramatic 90+5th-minute winner. Thoiba Moirangthem equalised for Odisha, but Punjab secured all three points.
Punjab FC began their Indian Super League (ISL) 2026/27 campaign with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Odisha FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Wednesday, thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Messi Bouli. The forward scored twice, finding the net inside the opening minute before delivering the decisive blow in the 90+5th minute.
The thrilling contest appeared to be heading towards a draw after both teams scored in the first half. However, Bouli’s late strike secured all three points for Punjab FC, popularly known as the Shers, and gave the team a winning start to the new ISL season.
Punjab FC Make a Flying Start
Punjab FC needed less than a minute to break the deadlock. Muhammed Uvais delivered an accurate cross into the penalty area, and Bouli finished with his right foot into the bottom-right corner to put the Shers ahead.
Odisha FC, known as the Juggernauts, responded in the 15th minute through a set-piece opportunity. Lalthathanga Khawlhring delivered a corner into the box, where Thoiba Moirangthem met the ball with a well-directed header, sending it into the bottom-right corner to make it 1-1.
Both sides continued to search for another goal before the interval. Punjab FC created opportunities through Alfred Planas, Ricky Shabong and Bijoy Varghese, but Odisha goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari produced important interventions to keep his team in the contest.
At the other end, Mahmoud Eid missed an opportunity from inside the penalty area in the 18th minute. Stephen Eze also attempted a long-range effort during first-half stoppage time, but neither team managed to take the lead before the break.
Closely Contested Second Half
The intensity continued after half-time, with both sides creating chances in search of a decisive goal. Odisha FC’s Giorgi Aburjania came close in the 46th minute, sending his effort from inside the box just over the crossbar.
Bouli then missed the target in the 51st minute after receiving a cross from Planas. Punjab continued to apply pressure, with Planas shooting over the crossbar in the 56th minute before Tiwari made a save to deny Diego Raposo two minutes later.
Bijoy Varghese also threatened with a header from Khaiminthang Lhungdim’s cross following a corner in the 61st minute, but his attempt narrowly missed the target.
Odisha FC introduced Éverton Nascimento and Lalrinfela Khiangte in the 64th minute as they looked to strengthen their attacking options and gain control of the match.
The Juggernauts subsequently created danger through set-pieces. Around the 80th minute, Rahim Ali and Stephen Eze attempted headers, while Mahmoud Eid tested Punjab goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh from outside the box. Arshdeep remained alert and made the save.
Messi Bouli Delivers a Stoppage-Time Winner
Punjab FC increased their attacking pressure in the closing stages. Vishal Yadav sent an effort wide in the 82nd minute, while Tiwari denied substitute Gurkirat Singh in the 85th minute. Muhammed Uvais also came close with a long-range attempt in the 86th minute, but his shot went narrowly wide.
Odisha FC continued to threaten during the five minutes of added time. Suhair VP sent an effort wide, while Arshdeep Singh saved Nihal Sudheesh’s attempt from outside the penalty area in the 90+5th minute.
Punjab FC immediately launched a decisive response. Vishal Yadav set up Bouli inside the box, and the forward finished with his left foot to score his second goal of the match and restore Punjab’s lead.
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The late strike completed a remarkable performance from Bouli, who scored both of Punjab FC’s goals at opposite ends of the match. His opening-minute finish gave the Shers an early advantage, while his stoppage-time effort ensured that their campaign began with a memorable victory.
The 2-1 result handed Punjab FC a valuable three points, while Odisha FC were left disappointed after battling throughout the match and coming close to securing a draw.
Bouli’s brace made him the decisive figure in the ISL 2026/27 opening-week encounter, highlighting Punjab FC’s persistence and ability to find a breakthrough under late pressure.
