Stoppage Time Heroics: Messi Bouli Seals Punjab FC Win
Messi Bouli scores a dramatic 95th-minute winner to secure a 2-1 victory for Punjab FC against Odisha FC in their ISL season opener.
Punjab FC kicked off their Indian Super League (ISL) 2026/27 campaign in the most exhilarating fashion imaginable. In a high-octane encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, the Shers secured a breathtaking 2-1 victory over Odisha FC, thanks to a stoppage-time strike from Messi Bouli in the 95th minute.
A Lightning Start and a Quick Response
The match began at a frantic pace, with Punjab FC striking before the spectators could even settle into their seats. Within the very first minute, Muhammed Uvais delivered a precise cross into the penalty area, which Messi Bouli expertly converted with a right-footed shot into the bottom-right corner. The early goal set the tone for a pulsating opening period.
However, the Juggernauts were not content to sit quietly. In the 15th minute, Odisha FC found their equalizer through a clinical set-piece. Lalthathanga Khawlhring swung in a dangerous corner, and Thoiba Moirangthem rose highest to direct a powerful header into the bottom-right corner, leveling the score at 1-1.
The remainder of the first half saw both sides trading blows. While Alfred Planas tested the Odisha defense, Mahmoud Eid missed a golden opportunity for the Juggernauts in the 18th minute. Punjab FC’s Ricky Shabong and Bijoy Varghese also flirted with the goal, keeping the pressure high before the whistle blew for halftime.
Second Half Stalemate and Late Drama
The second half began with both teams searching for a decisive breakthrough. Odisha FC’s Giorgi Aburjania came agonizingly close in the 46th minute, but his effort sailed just over the crossbar. Punjab FC responded with renewed vigor, as Alfred Planas and Diego Raposo both saw their efforts thwarted by the impressive saves of Odisha goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari.
As the clock ticked toward the final whistle, the tension in New Delhi reached a fever pitch. Odisha FC introduced fresh legs in the form of Éverton Nascimento and Lalrinfela Khiangte to regain control. The Juggernauts threatened late through set-pieces involving Rahim Ali and Stephen Eze, while Mahmoud Eid tested Punjab's Arshdeep Singh from distance.
The Shers refused to back down, with Vishal Yadav and Gurkirat Singh creating chances in the closing stages. Even as the match entered five minutes of added time, Odisha FC looked poised to snatch a point when Nihal Sudheesh forced a save from Arshdeep Singh in the 95th minute.
The Final Blow
Just as it appeared the match was heading for a draw, Punjab FC launched a lightning-fast counter-attack in the dying seconds. Vishal Yadav found Messi Bouli inside the box, and the forward showed immense composure to slot the ball home with his left foot. The dramatic goal in the 90+5th minute ensured Punjab FC walked away with all three points in a stunning season opener.