Ajaraie’s Late Penalty Miss Costs NorthEast United as Odisha FC Hold Them to a Goalless Draw

A dramatic stoppage-time penalty miss denied NorthEast United FC a chance to snatch victory as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Odisha FC in their Indian Super League (ISL) clash at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.

Moroccan striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie had the opportunity to deliver a decisive late winner for the Highlanders, but his penalty struck the woodwork, leaving both teams to settle for a point.

NorthEast United created the first clear chance in the fifth minute when Nikola Ninković met a superb cross from Jithin MS. However, Odisha goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari produced a fine save to deny the forward.

Odisha responded with Everton Nascimento attempting a long-range effort from around 35 yards, but his shot sailed wide. NorthEast United continued to threaten, with Ajaraie getting another opportunity after collecting a through ball and evading his marker, only for Tiwari to make another important save.

With neither side able to break the deadlock, both teams turned to their benches in the second half in search of a breakthrough. Odisha introduced Nandhakumar Sekar, Rahim Ali and Manuel Molina, while NorthEast United brought on Parthib Gogoi and Ethyan González to inject fresh energy into their attack.

The Highlanders pushed harder towards the end and came close to scoring in added time when Moyano’s curling effort, set up by substitute Redeem Tlang, went wide.

The decisive moment arrived deep into stoppage time when Odisha defender Stephen Eze was penalised for handling the ball inside the box following a corner from Gogoi. Referee K. Ramdasan pointed to the spot, handing NorthEast United a golden opportunity to claim all three points.

However, Ajaraie’s penalty rattled the woodwork, bringing the contest to a frustrating end for the Highlanders. The miss also cost them an opportunity to move three points clear at the top of the ISL table.