Synopsis
Emami East Bengal FC has signed forward Raphael Messi Bouli from Shijiazhuang Gongfu. The Cameroon international aims to make a significant impact in the ISL and AFC Challenge League, bringing experience and scoring ability to the team.Key Takeaways
- Raphael Messi Bouli joins Emami East Bengal FC from Shijiazhuang Gongfu.
- He aims to contribute significantly in the ISL and AFC Challenge League.
- Messi Bouli has a track record of scoring goals in various leagues.
- He previously played for Kerala Blasters FC.
- His addition is expected to strengthen the team’s attack.
Kolkata, Feb 5 (NationPress) Emami East Bengal FC has secured the services of Raphael Messi Bouli, a forward from the Cameroon national team, until the conclusion of the ongoing season. Messi Bouli joins the Red & Gold Brigade after arriving from the Chinese League One club Shijiazhuang Gongfu on a free transfer.
Expressing his enthusiasm about joining Emami East Bengal FC, Messi Bouli remarked, “I am thrilled to be part of such a renowned club as East Bengal. I aim to make a substantial contribution during the final stretch of the ISL and the AFC Challenge League. I am eager to return to India and connect with the passionate supporters of East Bengal!”
With a solid reputation as a goal scorer, Messi Bouli makes his return to Indian football after a five-season hiatus, having netted 8 goals for Kerala Blasters FC in the 2019-20 Indian Super League. Beyond his remarkable ISL record, Messi Bouli has also played across various leagues in Cameroon (FAP Yaounde, Canon Yaounde, and APEJES), the Persian Gulf Pro League (Foolad FC), and China (Yanbian Funde, Heilongjiang Ice City, Liaoning Tieren FC, Nanjing City, and Shijiazhuang Gongfu), amassing 69 goals in 173 club appearances. In the previous season, he recorded 14 goals and 5 assists in 28 matches for Shijiazhuang Gongfu, with his last appearance for the club in November 2024. The towering forward has also represented the Cameroon national team six times between 2013 and 2018.
Welcoming Messi Bouli to the Emami East Bengal FC family, Mr. Vibhash Vardhan Agarwal from Emami Group stated, “We are excited to enhance our attack with Raphaël’s addition. His presence will provide depth and strength to our squad, and we are confident he can make a considerable impact in our upcoming ISL matches, the Super Cup, and the AFC Challenge League.
Head Coach of Emami East Bengal FC, Oscar Bruzon, expressed, “Raphaël joins us at a pivotal moment in the season. Having played for Kerala Blasters in the past, he is a familiar figure in Indian football. His winning mentality, physicality, scoring skills, and commitment will be invaluable to our team.”
