NorthEast United FC were held to a goalless draw by Odisha FC in ISL 2026/27 at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar. Moroccan striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie missed a stoppage-time penalty, denying the Highlanders a dramatic victory and crucial points.
NorthEast United FC missed a golden opportunity to extend their winning streak after playing out a goalless draw against Odisha FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2026/27 at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Saturday. Moroccan striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie missed a stoppage-time penalty, denying the Highlanders a dramatic late winner and the chance to move three points clear at the top of the table.
The match featured several promising attacking moments from both sides, but neither team managed to find the back of the net. NorthEast United created opportunities throughout the contest, while Odisha goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari produced important saves to keep his side in the game.
NorthEast United made their intentions clear early in the first half. In the fifth minute, Nikola Ninković connected with an excellent cross from Jithin MS and unleashed a right-footed shot. However, Tiwari reacted well to deny the visiting side an early breakthrough.
Odisha responded shortly afterwards when Everton Nascimento attempted a long-range effort from approximately 35 yards. His shot, however, went wide of the target, allowing NorthEast United to escape without conceding.
The Highlanders continued to threaten through their attacking combination of Ninković, Jithin and Ajaraie. The Moroccan forward found space after collecting a well-weighted through ball and evading his marker, but his right-footed attempt was once again stopped by Tiwari, who remained alert to the danger.
Despite these opportunities, both teams struggled to convert their attacking moves into goals. The first half ended without a breakthrough, leaving the contest finely balanced as the sides returned for the second period.
With the match still goalless, both managers made substitutions in an attempt to change the course of the game. Odisha introduced Nandhakumar Sekar for Jeremy Zohminghlua in the 67th minute.
NorthEast United responded by bringing on Parthib Gogoi and Ethyan González for Jithin MS and Nikola Ninković. Odisha head coach TG Purushothaman subsequently introduced Rahim Ali and Manuel Molina, replacing Mahmoud Eid and Giorgi Aburjania.
NorthEast United made further changes late in the match, with Redeem Tlang replacing Macarton Nickson in the 86th minute. Imran Khan also came on for Lalrinfela Khiangte at the end of regulation time as the Highlanders continued searching for a decisive goal.
The visitors came close to breaking the deadlock during the first minute of added time. Substitute Tlang set up Moyano, whose right-footed curling effort narrowly missed the target. The opportunity offered NorthEast United hope of securing all three points in the closing stages.
The decisive moment arrived deep into stoppage time when Odisha defender Stephen Eze was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the penalty area following a corner delivered by Gogoi. Referee K. Ramdasan pointed to the penalty spot, handing NorthEast United a final opportunity to snatch victory.
Ajaraie stepped forward to take the spot-kick, but his effort struck the woodwork and rebounded away from goal. The missed penalty proved to be the final action of the match, leaving the Highlanders frustrated after coming within inches of a late winner.
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For Odisha FC, the result represented a hard-earned point, with Tiwari’s saves and the team’s defensive efforts helping them withstand NorthEast United’s late pressure. For the Highlanders, the missed penalty was a costly setback in their attempt to maintain their winning momentum and strengthen their position in the ISL 2026/27 standings.
The goalless result reflected a match in which NorthEast United created several promising chances but lacked the finishing touch needed to secure victory. Ajaraie’s late miss ultimately ensured that both teams shared the points at Kalinga Stadium.
