Ajarai's Penalty Hits Post as Northeast United Share Points

Bhubaneswar, October 24: Northeast United FC missed a golden opportunity to win in the Indian Super League 2026-27, as their match against Odisha FC ended 0-0 at the Kalinga Stadium on Saturday.

The biggest talking point came in the closing stages. Moroccan striker Alaeddine Ajarai had the chance to win it from the penalty spot, but his effort rattled the goalpost. The spot-kick was awarded after Stephen Eze handled the ball in the box following a Gogoi corner in stoppage time.

Earlier in the match, Northeast United had created the first real threat in the fifth minute. Nikola Ninkovic shot after a strong cross from Jithin MS, but goalkeeper Rithik Tiwari palmed the right-footed effort away. Odisha responded when Everton Nascimento unleashed a long shot from 35 yards, which went wide.

Ajarai had another chance when he received a superb through ball. He held off his marker and drilled a right-footed shot, but Tiwari was equal to it once again.

The second half featured several changes. Odisha replaced Jeremy Johmingluaa with Nandakumar Sekar in the 67th minute. Northeast United introduced Parthib Gogoi and Athian Gonzalez for Jithin MS and Nikola Ninkovic.

Odisha coach TG Purushothaman then brought on Raheem Ali and Manuel Molina for Mahmoud Eid and Giorgi Aburjania. Redeem Tlang came on for Maccarton Nixon in the 86th minute, and Imran Khan replaced Lalrinfela Khiangte at the end of regulation time.

In added time, Northeast United pressed for a winner. Moyano's curling right-foot effort, set up by Tlang, sailed wide of the goal.

Referee K. Ramadasan's decision to award the penalty proved decisive in the way the match ended, but Ajarai's miss meant neither side could take all three points. Northeast United were left without the three-point lead at the top of the table they had hoped to build.