Punjab FC began their MG Indian Super League 2026-27 campaign with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Odisha FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Wednesday. Messi Bouli emerged as the match-winner after scoring in the fifth minute of stoppage time to secure all three points for the Shers. Both teams went into the half-time break level at 1-1 after exchanging early goals. However, neither side managed to find the decisive breakthrough during most of the second half, despite creating several scoring opportunities. Just when the contest appeared to be heading towards a draw, Bouli struck in the 90+5th minute to give Punjab FC a dramatic victory.

Punjab FC Take an Early Lead

The Shers made an explosive start to the match, opening the scoring within the first minute. Muhammed Uvais delivered an accurate cross into the penalty area, and Messi Bouli finished with his right foot, sending the ball into the bottom-right corner. The early goal gave Punjab FC an immediate advantage and put Odisha FC under pressure. However, the Juggernauts responded well and gradually worked their way back into the contest. Odisha FC found the equaliser in the 15th minute through a set-piece situation. Lalthathanga Khawlhring sent a cross into the box from a corner, and Thoiba Moirangthem connected with a header that found the bottom-right corner. The goal brought Odisha FC back on level terms and set up a competitive contest between the two sides.

Both Teams Create Chances Before Half-Time

After the equaliser, Punjab FC and Odisha FC continued to search for another goal. Punjab FC's Alfred Planas tested Odisha goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari, but the custodian made the necessary save to prevent the Shers from regaining their lead. Odisha FC also had an opportunity to move ahead in the 18th minute. Mahmoud Eid found space inside the penalty area but failed to convert his chance. Punjab FC continued to threaten through Ricky Shabong and Bijoy Varghese, both of whom came close to scoring. At the other end, Stephen Eze attempted a long-range effort during first-half stoppage time. Despite these opportunities, neither team managed to find another goal before the interval, leaving the score at 1-1.

Punjab FC Increase Pressure After the Break

The second half began with both teams looking to take control and secure the winning goal. Odisha FC nearly took the lead immediately after the restart. Giorgi Aburjania found an opportunity inside the penalty area in the 46th minute, but his effort sailed just over the crossbar. Punjab FC responded five minutes later when Alfred Planas delivered a cross for Messi Bouli. However, Bouli was unable to direct his attempt on target. The Shers gradually increased their attacking intensity. Planas sent another effort over the crossbar in the 56th minute, while goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari made an important save two minutes later to deny Diego Raposo. Punjab FC continued to create opportunities from set-pieces. In the 61st minute, Bijoy Varghese met a cross from Khaiminthang Lhungdim with a header following a corner, but his attempt narrowly missed the target. Despite their attacking efforts, the Shers could not find a second goal, allowing Odisha FC to remain firmly in contention.

Odisha FC Make Changes and Search for a Winner

Odisha FC introduced Éverton Nascimento and Lalrinfela Khiangte in the 64th minute as they looked to strengthen their attacking options and gain greater control of the match. The Juggernauts increased their threat through set-pieces as the game approached its final stages. Around the 80th minute, Rahim Ali and Stephen Eze both attempted headers, but neither effort resulted in a goal. Mahmoud Eid also tested Punjab FC goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh with a shot from outside the penalty area. Arshdeep remained alert and made the save to keep the scores level. With time running out, both teams continued to push forward in search of a decisive goal. However, the defences and goalkeepers stood firm, keeping the contest finely balanced.

Late Chances Keep the Contest Alive

Punjab FC continued their pursuit of a winner during the closing minutes. Vishal Yadav sent an effort wide in the 82nd minute, while Odisha goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari produced another important save in the 85th minute to deny substitute Gurkirat Singh. Muhammed Uvais then came close to scoring with a long-range attempt in the 86th minute, but his effort narrowly missed the target. As the match entered five minutes of added time, Odisha FC also threatened to snatch a late victory. Suhair VP sent an attempt wide, while Arshdeep Singh denied Nihal Sudheesh with a save from outside the penalty area in the 90+5th minute. The crucial stop kept Punjab FC in the game and set the stage for a dramatic finish.

Messi Bouli Delivers a Stoppage-Time Winner

Punjab FC immediately launched another attack after Arshdeep's save, and the move produced the decisive moment of the match. Vishal Yadav created the opportunity by setting up Messi Bouli inside the penalty area. This time, the forward finished with his left foot, finding the net in the 90+5th minute to restore Punjab FC's lead. The late strike completed Bouli's brace and secured a 2-1 victory for the Shers in their opening match of the ISL 2026/27 season. After an evenly contested encounter featuring numerous chances at both ends, Punjab FC found the decisive touch when it mattered most. Odisha FC fought hard throughout the match, but Bouli's stoppage-time goal ensured that the hosts began their campaign with a memorable win.