Punjab made a blistering start, taking the lead inside the opening minute. Muhammed Uvais delivered a precise cross from the right flank, and Messi Bouli timed his run perfectly to finish from close range with a right-footed effort. The strike, scored just 39 seconds after kick-off, became the sixth-fastest goal in ISL history and gave the hosts an immediate advantage.

Odisha FC responded well to the early setback and restored parity in the 15th minute. Captain Lalthathanga Khawlhring delivered a corner into the box, where Thoiba Singh rose above the defence to head the ball past Arshdeep Singh and make it 1-1.

The remainder of the first half saw both sides create opportunities in an entertaining contest. Punjab threatened through Muhammad Suhail, whose deliveries caused problems for Odisha’s defence. Bijoy Varghese came close with a header from a Khaiminthang Lhungdim cross, while Ricky Shabong fired narrowly wide after being set up by Suhail. Odisha also looked for a second goal, but Stephen Eze’s long-range attempt sailed over the crossbar as the teams went into the break level.

Punjab resumed the second half with attacking intent, and Messi Bouli continued to trouble the Odisha defence. In the 51st minute, he missed an opportunity from the centre of the box before setting up Alfred Planas, whose powerful effort was blocked. Diego Raposo later forced a sharp save from Odisha goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari, who produced an impressive performance to keep his side in the contest.

Tiwari continued to frustrate Punjab, making crucial saves, including denying another powerful Messi Bouli effort in the 74th minute. Odisha also threatened on the counter, with Mahmoud Eid forcing Arshdeep Singh into a smart save in the 80th minute. Substitute Gurkirat Singh was denied at the other end in the 86th minute as Punjab continued to push for a winner.

The closing stages delivered a dramatic finish. Arshdeep kept out an attempt from Nihal Sudheesh in the 95th minute, while Suhair VP missed a promising opportunity for Odisha moments later. Punjab immediately launched one final attack, and substitute Bishu Sharma played a clever pass into the penalty area in the 96th minute. Messi Bouli found space and calmly finished with his left foot into the bottom-left corner to spark celebrations among the home supporters.

The late strike completed a remarkable performance from Messi Bouli, whose goal in the opening minute and last-gasp winner secured a memorable 2-1 victory for Punjab FC. The Shers collected all three points in their season opener, while Odisha FC were left to rue their missed chances after pushing the hosts until the final moments.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.

The post Messi Bouli’s Last-Gasp Winner Seals Thrilling Punjab FC Victory Over Odisha FC appeared first on Football Counter.