NorthEast United FC missed the opportunity to extend their winning run after playing out a 0-0 draw against Odisha FC in the MG Indian Super League 2026-27 at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Saturday. Moroccan striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie had a golden opportunity to secure all three points for the Highlanders in the closing moments, but his penalty struck the woodwork. The result denied NorthEast United a dramatic late victory and the chance to move three points clear at the top of the league table.

NorthEast United Create Early Chances

NorthEast United started the match on the front foot and created their first clear scoring opportunity in the fifth minute. Nikola Ninković received a well-delivered cross from Jithin MS and attempted a right-footed shot, but Odisha FC goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari made an important save to keep the score level. Odisha responded shortly afterwards when Everton Nascimento tried his luck from approximately 35 yards. However, his long-range attempt missed the target. The Highlanders continued to threaten the home side's defence. Ajaraie found space after collecting a perfectly weighted through ball and managed to get away from his marker. He fired a right-footed effort towards goal, but Tiwari was once again in the right position to deny the Moroccan forward. Despite creating promising opportunities, neither team managed to break the deadlock during the opening exchanges.

Second-Half Substitutions Fail to Produce a Goal

Both sides made several substitutions in the second half as they searched for a breakthrough. Odisha FC made their first change in the 67th minute, bringing on Nandhakumar Sekar in place of Jeremy Zohminghlua. NorthEast United responded by introducing Parthib Gogoi and Ethyan González for Jithin MS and Nikola Ninković. Odisha head coach TG Purushothaman made further changes, sending Rahim Ali and Manuel Molina onto the pitch in place of Mahmoud Eid and Giorgi Aburjania. NorthEast United also refreshed their lineup during the closing stages. Redeem Tlang replaced Macarton Nickson in the 86th minute, while Imran Khan came on for Lalrinfela Khiangte at the end of regular time. However, the tactical changes failed to produce the decisive goal, with both teams continuing to struggle in the final third.

Ajaraie's Missed Penalty Denies Highlanders Late Victory

NorthEast United increased the pressure in the closing minutes and came close to finding a winner during the first minute of stoppage time. Substitute Redeem Tlang set up Moyano, whose right-footed curling attempt narrowly missed the target. The Highlanders received another opportunity deep into added time when Odisha defender Stephen Eze was penalised for handling the ball inside the penalty area following a corner delivered by Parthib Gogoi. Referee K. Ramdasan immediately awarded a penalty to NorthEast United. Ajaraie stepped forward to take responsibility from the spot, giving his team a chance to snatch a last-gasp victory. However, the Moroccan striker's penalty struck the woodwork and stayed out. The missed spot-kick proved to be the final action of the match, leaving NorthEast United frustrated after coming so close to claiming all three points. While Odisha FC secured a point on home soil, NorthEast United were left to reflect on a missed opportunity to strengthen their position at the top of the Indian Super League standings.