First-minute strike, last-gasp winner: Messi Bouli seals Punjab FC’s 2-1 win vs. Odisha

Punjab FC started their 2026-27 Indian Super League campaign in dramatic fashion by defeating Odisha FC 2-1 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Wednesday. Messi Bouli struck in the opening minute before returning with a stoppage time winner in the 90th+5. minute and sealed all three points for the Shers.

Punjab FC got off to a dream start when Muhammed Uvais crossed into the box and allowed Bouli to slot his right foot into the bottom right corner. However, Odisha FC responded with a set piece in the 15th minute. Lalthahanga Khawlhring’s corner found Thoib Moirangthem who headed the ball into the bottom right corner to restore parity.

Both teams were looking for a second goal before the break. Alfred Planas tested Odisha keeper Hrithik Tiwari while Mahmoud Eid wasted an opportunity from the penalty spot. Ricky Shabong and Bijoy Varghese also threatened for Punjab, while Stephen Eze grabbed a long-range try in first-half stoppage time. Neither side could find a breakthrough and the teams went into the interval tied at 1-1.

The contest remained even after the restart. Odisha’s Giorgi Aburjania sent an attempt just over the crossbar in the 46th minute, at the other end Bouli missed the target after a cross from Planas. Punjab continued to press, Planas fired and Tiwari managed to save Diego Rapos in quick succession.

Varghese then headed home Khaiminthang Lhungdim’s cross in the 61st minute, but his effort went wide. Odisha introduced verton Nascimento and Lalrinfela Khiangte in the 64th minute and threatened with late passes, Rahim Ali and Eze getting headers around the 80th minute. Arshdeep Singh also avoided Eid’s effort.

Punjab pushed hard for the winners in the closing stages. Tiwari denied substitute Gurkirat Singh in the 85th minute, while Uvais sent a long-range effort just wide a minute later. Odisha threatened in added time through Suhair VP and Nihal Sudheesh but Arshdeep stood firm.

Just when a draw looked likely, Punjab struck decisively. Vishal Yadav picked out Bouli in the box and the striker finished with his left foot in the 90th + 5th minute to complete a remarkable first minute to last gasp double to hand Punjab FC a winning start to their campaign.

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