Punjab FC 1-1 Odisha FC LIVE Score, ISL 2026-27: Thoiba Singh's Header Goal Helps Kalinga Warriors Equalise

Odisha FC hit back swiftly to level the scoreline at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, bringing it to Punjab FC 1, Odisha FC 1. Following a well-won corner kick, captain Lalthathanga Khawlhring curled a pinpoint cross straight into the center of the box. Midfielder Thoiba Singh rose highest above the defensive line to meet the delivery, directing a precise header into the bottom right corner past the diving goalkeeper to draw the Kalinga Warriors level.

Punjab FC drew first blood in their ISL 2026-27 campaign opener against Odisha FC, striking early through veteran forward Raphaël Messi Bouli. Capitalizing on fluid build-up play, defender Muhammed Uvais delivered a pinpoint cross from the right flank straight into the danger zone, allowing Messi Bouli to react quickest and sweep a clinical right-footed shot from inside the six-yard box into the bottom right corner. The early goal has put Punjab firmly in front at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, forcing Odisha to chase the game.

Action underway! Odisha FC in their black and purple outfit are attacking from right to left. While Punjab FC, in their all orange kit are building up from left to right.

Dermitzakis backed his side before his ISL managerial debut. “We prepared ourselves very well during the long pre-season we had. We managed to add players in positions where we felt we needed reinforcements, and the games we played in the IFA Shield gave us the chance to face big and strong clubs,” Dermitzakis said.

The visitors have added Stephen Eze, Giorji Aburjania, Mahmoud Eid and Everton to strengthen the foreign contingent, while also reinforcing the domestic core with Ritwik Das, Nandhakumar Sekar and Imran Khan, according to The Aiff.

Odisha have their own reset to manage. They finished 11th last season and have heavily overhauled the squad to fix the weaknesses that dragged them down.

Punjab’s domestic core remains important. Indian internationals Nikhil Prabhu, Bijoy Varghese, Ricky Shabong and Muhammad Uvais are part of it, along with Khaimingthang Lhungdim, Muhammad Suhail, Manglenthang Kipgen and Gurkirat Singh. Academy players will also form part of that group.

The foreign group gives Punjab a new spine. Raphaël Messi Bouli and Alfred Planas Moya will lead the attack alongside Diego Raposo. Mickaël Malsa adds experience in midfield and Patrick Bahanack will marshal the defence.

The club have named a 27-member squad for the season. It includes 10 academy graduates, an established core from last season and five new foreign signings.

The club begin again under new head coach Pavlos Dermitzakis after a busy summer that brought major changes to the dugout and the squad. The Greek replaces Panagiotis Dilmperis, who left to join Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

Punjab FC open their 2026-27 Indian Super League campaign against Odisha FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Wednesday after falling just short of the title on the final day last season.

Welcome to the start of an electrifying new chapter of Indian football! Fans are rolling into the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi in numbers, decked out in team colors and buzzing with opening-night anticipation as Punjab FC host Odisha FC for their blockbuster ISL 2026-27 season opener. Whether you've traveled across the country or you're a local supporter ready to roar from the stands, the atmosphere under the floodlights is nothing short of electric. Grab your scarves, bring your loudest cheers, and get ready to welcome the players onto the pitch for 90 minutes of pure passion, high-octane action, and unforgettable football!