ISL 2026/27: Ajaraie's late penalty hits woodwork, Odisha FC hold NorthEast United
Synopsis
Alaaeddine Ajaraie's penalty cannoned off the woodwork in the dying seconds at Kalinga Stadium, denying NorthEast United a win that would have put them three points clear at the top of the ISL 2026/27 table. A goalless draw was a fair reflection of a tightly contested match — but for the Highlanders, it is a missed opportunity that could prove costly in the title race.
Key Takeaways
NorthEast United FC and Odisha FC played out a 0-0 draw in the ISL 2026/27 at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar on 24 October .
Alaaeddine Ajaraie missed a stoppage-time penalty, hitting the woodwork after Stephen Eze was penalised for handball in the box.
The result ends NorthEast United's winning streak and denies them a chance to go three points clear at the top of the table.
Goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari made key saves for Odisha FC, including two stops against Ajaraie and one against Nikola Ninković .
Both sides made multiple second-half substitutions in search of a breakthrough, with Nandhakumar Sekar , Rahim Ali , Parthib Gogoi , and Redeem Tlang among those introduced.
Moroccan striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie struck the woodwork from the penalty spot deep in stoppage time, denying NorthEast United FC a dramatic winner as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Odisha FC in an Indian Super League (ISL) 2026/27 fixture at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Saturday, 24 October. The result halts the Highlanders' winning streak and denies them the chance to move three points clear at the top of the table.
Key Moments and Missed Chances
The match's clearest opportunity arrived in the opening exchanges when Nikola Ninković connected with a pinpoint cross from Jithin MS in the fifth minute, only for his right-footed effort to be kept out by Odisha goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari. Ajaraie himself had an earlier chance after latching onto a well-weighted through ball and beating his marker, but Tiwari again stood firm to deny the Moroccan forward.
Odisha FC were not without their own attacking intent. Everton Nascimento attempted an ambitious long-range strike from 35 yards in the first half, but his effort sailed wide. The contest remained tightly contested throughout, with neither goalkeeper seriously tested until the very end.
Substitutions and Second-Half Push
Both sides made significant changes in the second half as the search for a breakthrough intensified. Odisha FC coach TG Purushothaman introduced Nandhakumar Sekar for Jeremy Zohminghlua in the 67th minute, and later brought on Rahim Ali and Manuel Molina in place of Mahmoud Eid and Giorgi Aburjania.
NorthEast United responded by bringing on Parthib Gogoi and Ethyan González for Jithin MS and Ninković. Redeem Tlang replaced Macarton Nickson in the 86th minute, and Imran Khan came on for Lalrinfela Khiangte at the end of regulation time. The fresh legs nearly paid off — in the first minute of added time, Moyano sent a right-footed curler narrowly wide after being set up by substitute Tlang.
The Penalty That Wasn't
The match's defining moment arrived deep into stoppage time when a Parthib Gogoi corner was handled inside the box by Stephen Eze, prompting referee K. Ramdasan to point to the spot. Ajaraie stepped up to take the penalty, but his effort struck the woodwork — the last action of the game — leaving NorthEast United frustrated and Odisha FC relieved.
Table Implications
The draw means NorthEast United's winning run has come to an end, and they miss the opportunity to establish a commanding three-point cushion at the summit of the ISL 2026/27 standings. Odisha FC, for their part, will take heart from a disciplined defensive display at home, with Tiwari's saves proving crucial in preserving parity. Both sides will look to bounce back in their next fixtures as the league season intensifies.
Point of View
But the broader concern is a side that created limited clear-cut chances against a mid-table Odisha FC at home. For a team with title ambitions, converting those moments is non-negotiable. Odisha's resilience, anchored by Tiwari's goalkeeping, suggests TG Purushothaman is building a side harder to break down — a development worth watching as the ISL season deepens.
NationPress
25 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result between NorthEast United FC and Odisha FC in ISL 2026/27?
The match ended in a 0-0 draw at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on 24 October. NorthEast United came closest to scoring when Alaaeddine Ajaraie's late penalty struck the woodwork in stoppage time.
Why did NorthEast United get a penalty against Odisha FC?
Referee K. Ramdasan awarded a penalty deep into stoppage time after Stephen Eze was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box from a Parthib Gogoi corner. Ajaraie took the spot-kick but hit the woodwork.
What does the draw mean for NorthEast United's ISL 2026/27 standing?
The draw ends NorthEast United's winning streak and denies them the opportunity to move three points clear at the top of the ISL 2026/27 table. The result is a significant missed chance in the title race.
Who were the standout performers in the Odisha FC vs NorthEast United match?
Odisha FC goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari was the standout performer, making crucial saves to deny Nikola Ninković and Alaaeddine Ajaraie on multiple occasions. Ajaraie was NorthEast United's most threatening player despite his penalty miss.
Who came on as substitutes in the ISL match between Odisha FC and NorthEast United?
Odisha FC introduced Nandhakumar Sekar, Rahim Ali, and Manuel Molina in the second half, while NorthEast United brought on Parthib Gogoi, Ethyan González, Redeem Tlang, and Imran Khan. Neither set of substitutes could break the deadlock.
