Punjab FC made a commanding start to its IFA Shield 2026-27 campaign, thrashing Calcutta Customs Club 7-0 at the Barasat Stadium on Sunday to secure a place in the semifinals.
Raphael Messi Bouli was at the heart of the dominant performance, scoring a hat-trick and providing two assists. The former East Bengal and Jamshedpur FC forward was named Player of the Match after playing a key role in dismantling the local side.
Calcutta Customs, which had suffered a 3-1 defeat against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in its previous outing, found itself under pressure almost immediately. Punjab scored twice inside the opening 13 minutes, with Messi Bouli grabbing both goals after combining effectively with Sanathoi Singh and Manglenthang Kipgen.
Punjab refused to slow down after establishing the early advantage. Kipgen controlled proceedings in midfield and kept the pressure on a Customs side that repeatedly surrendered possession and struggled to create chances.
Messi Bouli then turned provider, setting up 19-year-old Sanathoi for a simple finish seven minutes later. Kipgen also contributed from the right flank, delivering a cross that Bishu Sharma converted to put Punjab 4-0 ahead around the half-hour mark.
With Customs struggling to respond, Punjab added two more goals before the break. Alfred Moya finished after an inventive backheel from Messi Bouli, before the Cameroonian forward completed his hat-trick just a minute later.
Punjab continued searching for goals in the second half despite having effectively settled the contest. New signing Diego Raposo, who arrived in India from Bulgaria this summer, added another goal as the Shers maintained complete control.
Former India under-23 forward Gurkirat Singh came off the bench and also found the net, completing a dominant afternoon for Punjab in Barasat.
The emphatic victory confirmed Punjab FC’s place in the IFA Shield semifinals, where it will face either Mohun Bagan Super Giant or NorthEast United for a place in the final.
Before that, Punjab will face East Bengal at the East Bengal Ground in Kolkata on September 30. With semifinal qualification already secured, the match will have no impact on Punjab’s progression in the competition.
