KOLKATA, INDIA: Indian Super League (ISL) club Punjab FC kicked off their 2026-27 IFA Shield campaign in spectacular fashion, registering a resounding 7-0 victory over Calcutta Customs Club at the Barasat Stadium on the outskirts of Calcutta (Kolkata) on Sunday.
A devastating debut performance from newly signed international forward Raphael Messi Bouli, who secured a magnificent hat-trick and provided two assists, ensured the win for the Shers. Messi Bouli was rightfully adjudged the Player of the Match for his heroics in the final third.
The match began with a cautious opening for the first two to three minutes, but Punjab FC quickly found their speed and rhythm. Unable to match the pace created by the Indian Super League side, Calcutta Customs soon found themselves overwhelmed.
In the eighth minute, brilliant interplay between Sanathoi Singh and Messi Bouli set the tone. From an assist by Manglenthang Kipgen, Messi Bouli produced a scintillating, Ronaldo-esque left-footed strike from distance, just outside the 30-yard box, which comfortably defeated Customs goalkeeper Debjit Ghosal.
Just five minutes later (13’), the Messi magic continued for the ISL club. Kipgen brilliantly intercepted a long ball in the midfield and found the Cameroonian forward, who pierced the defensive line.
He then danced past two defenders and found himself in a one-on-one situation with Ghosal. He calmly slotted the ball past the keeper to secure his brace, allowing the Shers to stamp their authority on the match within the opening quarter of an hour.
Messi Bouli was at the heart of everything the ISL side created
The Shers added a third in the 21st minute through a team goal. In an unselfish move, Messi Bouli bypassed the chance for an early hat-trick, instead providing a point-blank assist for winger Sanathoi Singh, who made no mistake with the tap-in.
The ISL team continued to roar, and moments later, a brilliant sequence of gameplay between Bishu Sharma and Sanathoi set up another point-blank chance for Messi Bouli, but Debjit Ghosal produced a diving save to deny him.
However, the fourth goal arrived shortly afterwards, in the 29th minute. Following a picture-perfect assist from the right flank by the relentless Kipgen, Bishu executed a calm two-touch finish, setting the ball up with his first touch and scooping it over the onrushing goalkeeper.
Approaching halftime, the match began to resemble a training ground drill in a competitive fixture. With an ample amount of space and no passes blocked, it was too easy for the ISL outfit.
The onslaught continued in the 43rd minute as Alfred Planas joined the scoring party. Demonstrating brilliant chemistry, Messi Bouli produced a superb backheel assist, putting the ball on a plate for the Spaniard, who confidently dispatched it into the net.
Punjab FC went into the break with a 6-0 lead
Just a minute later, in the 44th minute, Messi Bouli completed his well-deserved hat-trick. Breaking through the defensive line with a pacy solo run, he bypassed the advancing Ghosal and simply tapped the ball into an empty net, sending Punjab FC into the break with a staggering 6-0 lead.
The second half began at a slightly reduced pace. While the ISL club dominated possession for most parts of the opening quarter of the half, clear-cut chances were less frequent. Substitute Diego Raposo nearly added to the tally after beating the goalkeeper, but his effort was cleared by the Customs defence.
Despite the drop in tempo, Punjab FC found their seventh goal in the 62nd minute. Forward Gurkirat Singh unleashed a spectacular long-range strike directly from a throw-in sequence. His placement was spot on, leaving the Customs goalkeeper completely unmoved.
Punjab FC kept knocking on the Customs defence for the remainder of the game, but the scoreline remained unchanged. Although they managed only one goal in the second half, Punjab FC’s dictation of the game and their completely ruthless first-half display culminated in a resounding 7-0 victory.
With this comprehensive opening win, Punjab FC move into a commanding position to advance to the semi-finals of the IFA Shield. The Shers will now face heavyweights and fellow ISL outfit East Bengal FC in their final group fixture on September 30 at the East Bengal Ground.
Cover image courtesy: Special arrangement
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