NorthEast United FC missed the chance to secure a third straight win after Alaeeddine Ajaraie struck the post with a stoppage-time penalty, while Odisha FC remained winless in ISL 2026–27.

Kolkata, October 24: Odisha FC and NorthEast United FC played out a goalless draw in their MG Indian Super League 2026–27 encounter at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Saturday evening. Despite creating several scoring opportunities at both sides, neither side managed to find the breakthrough, with the biggest moment arriving deep into stoppage time when Alaeeddine Ajaraie hit the post from the penalty spot.

The result denied NorthEast United a third consecutive victory to start their campaign, while Odisha FC continued their search for a first win of the season.

The contest began with both teams looking to take control, but it was the Highlanders who threatened early. Everton Nascimento tested Gurmeet Singh from distance in the 16th minute, only for the NorthEast goalkeeper to make the save. Odisha continued to look dangerous, with Vanlalzuidika Chhakchhuak sending a shot narrowly over the crossbar two minutes later after being set up by Everton.

NorthEast United responded through Ajaraie, whose effort from the left side of the box was saved by Hrithik Tiwari in the 23rd minute. The goalkeeper remained busy as the visitors increased their attacking pressure, denying Antonio Moyano from close range in the 29th minute after an assist from Abdul Rabeeh.

The first half saw both teams create openings without finding the finishing touch. NorthEast United came close again through Macarton Nickson, whose effort from outside the box went just over the target in the 43rd minute. Tiwari also produced an important save to keep out Nikhil Barla’s attempt from distance a minute earlier.

The second half continued in a similar fashion, with neither side willing to settle for a point. Odisha’s Everton came close to breaking the deadlock in the 50th minute, but his header from Jeremy Zohminghlua’s cross was kept out by Gurmeet. The NorthEast goalkeeper’s intervention proved crucial as the hosts searched for a breakthrough.

At the other end, Nikola Ninkovic tested Tiwari with a shot from a difficult angle in the 48th minute, but the Odisha custodian was equal to the task. Both goalkeepers continued to play their part as the game moved into its closing stages.

When the match appeared to end without a goal, the late drama was far from over. NorthEast United got a golden opportunity to snatch all three points after Stephen Eze was penalised for handball inside the box in the 95th minute.

Ajaraie stepped up to take the penalty in the 90+7 th minute, with the chance to extend NorthEast United’s winning start. However, his right-footed effort hot the right post, leaving the score unchanged and Odisha breathing a sigh of relief.

The final whistle confirmed a 0–0 draw, with both sides left to reflect on missed chances. For NorthEast United, the late penalty miss proved costly after an otherwise encouraging attacking display though they are on top of the table. Odisha, meanwhile, will take confidence from their defensive resilience, although their inability to convert chances means the wait for a first victory continues, with standing on eight.