Ajaraie’s Late Penalty Miss Denies NorthEast United Victory Against Odisha FC
Highlanders Held to Goalless Draw in Bhubaneswar as Odisha FC Goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari Makes Crucial Saves
Bhubaneswar, October 24, 2026: Odisha FC and NorthEast United FC shared the points after a tense 0–0 draw in their MG Indian Super League encounter at the Kalinga Stadium on Saturday. NorthEast United came agonisingly close to securing all three points, but Moroccan forward Alaaeddine Ajaraie struck the woodwork with a penalty in the dying moments of the match.
The result ended the Highlanders’ opportunity to extend their winning run and move three points clear at the top of the league table.
Goalkeepers Keep the Score Level
NorthEast United threatened early, with Nikola Ninković testing Odisha goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari in the fifth minute. Ninković connected with a well-delivered cross from Jithin MS, but Tiwari reacted sharply to deny his right-footed attempt.
Odisha responded through Everton Nascimento, whose long-range effort from approximately 35 yards failed to find the target.
Ajaraie subsequently created another opportunity for the visitors after collecting a precisely weighted through ball and getting away from his marker. However, Tiwari again stood firm, preventing NorthEast United from taking the lead.
Both sides continued to search for an opening, but neither could find the decisive finish during the first half.
Second-Half Changes Fail to Produce a Breakthrough
With the contest remaining goalless, both teams introduced fresh players in an attempt to change the game’s momentum.
Odisha brought on Nandhakumar Sekar for Jeremy Zohminghlua in the 67th minute. NorthEast United responded with a double substitution, introducing Parthib Gogoi and Ethyan González for Jithin MS and Nikola Ninković.
Odisha head coach TG Purushothaman later introduced Rahim Ali and Manuel Molina in place of Mahmoud Eid and Giorgi Aburjania. NorthEast United made further changes, with Redeem Tlang replacing Macarton Nickson in the 86th minute and Imran Khan coming on for Lalrinfela Khiangte at the end of regulation time.
Despite the tactical adjustments, the breakthrough remained elusive.
Dramatic Finish as Ajaraie Misses from the Spot
NorthEast United intensified their search for a late winner during stoppage time. In the first minute of added time, Moyano came close after receiving a pass from substitute Redeem Tlang, but his curling right-footed attempt went wide.
The decisive moment arrived deep into stoppage time when Odisha defender Stephen Eze was penalised for handball inside the penalty area following a corner delivered by Parthib Gogoi. Referee K. Ramdasan awarded NorthEast United a spot-kick.
Ajaraie stepped forward with the opportunity to snatch a dramatic victory. However, his penalty struck the woodwork, bringing the match to an end without a goal.
The miss proved costly for the Highlanders, who were denied a late winner and the chance to strengthen their position at the summit of the standings.
For Odisha FC, the draw represented a hard-earned point after a disciplined defensive performance, with Tiwari’s important saves playing a significant role in keeping NorthEast United at bay.
About the MG Indian Super League
The MG Indian Super League (MG ISL) is India’s top-tier professional football competition, bringing together clubs, players, coaches, supporters, broadcasters, and commercial partners to promote the development of the sport nationwide.
According to the supplied league information, the competition features 13 clubs: Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC, Churchill Brothers FC, East Bengal FC, FC Goa, Inter Kashi FC, Kerala Blasters FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Mumbai City FC, NorthEast United FC, Odisha FC, Punjab FC, and Sporting Club Delhi.
The league operates under a club-led commercial model in which participating clubs hold commercial rights and exercise administrative control over key operational matters.
By Suman Munshi | IBG NEWS
