Odisha FC and NorthEast United play out goalless draw in ISL match

Odisha FC and NorthEast United FC shared the points after a goalless draw at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Saturday during an Indian Super League (ISL) encounter.

Moroccan striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie missed a crucial penalty that could have extended NorthEast United’s winning streak. The Highlanders were awarded a spot-kick after Stephen Eze was penalised for handling the ball inside the box. However, Ajaraie’s penalty hit the woodwork, denying his side a late winner.

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NorthEast United had an early chance in the fifth minute when Nikola Ninković met a precise cross from Jithin MS, but Odisha goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari saved the right-footed shot. The home side then responded with Everton Nascimento’s long-range effort from 35 yards, which went wide.

Ajaraie tested Tiwari again after receiving a well-weighted through ball and evading his marker, but his right-footed attempt was saved.

In the second half, both teams made substitutions in search of a breakthrough. Odisha replaced Jeremy Zohminghlua with Nandhakumar Sekar in the 67th minute, and later introduced Rahim Ali and Manuel Molina for Mahmoud Eid and Giorgi Aburjania. NorthEast United brought on Parthib Gogoi and Ethyan González for Jithin MS and Nikola Ninković. Redeem Tlang substituted Macarton Nickson in the 86th minute, and Imran Khan replaced Lalrinfela Khiangte at the end of regulation time.

NorthEast United pushed for a late winner and came close in the first minute of added time when Moyano’s right-footed curler, assisted by Tlang, went wide. The match’s decisive moment came deep into stoppage time when referee K. Ramdasan awarded a penalty for Eze’s handball from a Gogoi corner. Ajaraie’s subsequent penalty struck the woodwork, ending the game without a goal and denying NorthEast United the chance to move three points clear at the top of the table.