Ajaraie misses stoppage-time penalty as Odisha FC and NorthEast United play 0-0 at Kalinga Stadium
Alaaeddine Ajaraie missed a late penalty as NorthEast United and Odisha FC played out a goalless draw at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Saturday in an Indian Super League match. Ajaraie's spot-kick struck the woodwork in the final action, denying NorthEast United a chance to keep their winning streak alive.
NorthEast United created the first clear opening in the fifth minute when Nikola Ninković connected with a cross from Jithin MS, but Ninković's right-footed effort was saved by Odisha goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari. The hosts responded shortly after when Everton Nascimento attempted a long-range effort from 35 yards that sailed wide. Ajaraie later latched onto a well-weighted through ball and saw another right-footed effort stopped by Tiwari.
Both teams made tactical changes in the second half as they sought a breakthrough. Odisha introduced Nandhakumar Sekar for Jeremy Zohminghlua in the 67th minute, while NorthEast United made two substitutions soon after, bringing on Parthib Gogoi and Ethyan González for Jithin MS and Nikola Ninković.
Odisha head coach TG Purushothaman sent on Rahim Ali and Manuel Molina for Mahmoud Eid and Giorgi Aburjania as the hosts looked to alter the game. NorthEast United brought on Redeem Tlang for Macarton Nickson in the 86th minute, with Imran Khan replacing Lalrinfela Khiangte at the end of regulation time.
In stoppage time NorthEast United pressed for a winner and came close when Moyano curled a right-footed attempt wide in the first minute of added time after being set up by substitute Redeem Tlang. Deep into stoppage time, Stephen Eze was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box from a Gogoi corner and referee K. Ramdasan pointed to the spot.
Ajaraie stepped up for the penalty but his effort struck the woodwork, which was the final action of the match and prevented NorthEast United from a dramatic late victory and a chance to go three points clear at the top of the table. The draw was the first goalless result of the ISL 2026-27 season and leaves NorthEast United leading the ISL 2026-27 points table.
