Raphael Messi Bouli nets 39-second opener for Punjab FC against Odisha FC in ISL second matchweek

Raphael Messi Bouli gave Punjab FC a 39-second lead against Odisha FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi in the Indian Super League second matchweek fixture on October 14, 2026. The Cameroonian struck on his ISL debut for the Shers.

The fixture pitted home side Punjab FC, coached by Pavlos Dermitzakis, against Odisha FC. Punjab had reached the IFA Shield semi-finals before bowing out to Mohun Bagan on penalties, while Odisha entered the match without a proper pre-season under veteran T. G. Purushothaman.

The match started with Odisha kicking off, but Punjab regained possession early. Brazilian winger Raposo combined with Messi Bouli and then played a pass to Suhail, who found an overlapping Uvais on the left. Uvais delivered a cross from the flank and Raphael Messi Bouli finished with his right foot to put Punjab ahead.

Stephen Eze and Saviour Gama were left looking on as the ball hit the net, and Hrithik Tiwari and Odisha’s defence protested for offside; the linesman, however, kept his flag down. The goal came on the 39th second of the match and was set up by former Jamshedpur FC fullback Uvais.

Messi Bouli is a former Jamshedpur FC striker who had failed to score last season; his strike on debut for Punjab made him the fastest goalscorer so far in ISL 2026-27 and placed him among the quickest scorers in ISL history. At 39 seconds he leapfrogged Daniel Chima Chukwu of Jamshedpur FC to occupy the seventh-fastest goal in ISL history.

David Williams’s 12-second effort remains the fastest goal in ISL history, followed by Jerry Mawihmingthanga (23 seconds), Cleiton Silva (25), Chris Dagnall (29), PV Vishnu (32) and Marcelinho (37). Messi Bouli’s 39-second strike sits immediately behind those marks in the historical list.

Bouli’s early goal gave Punjab an immediate advantage against Odisha in the second matchweek of the ISL 2026-27 season. For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.