ISL: NorthEast United held 0-0 by Odisha as Ajaraie hits post

NorthEast United FC were held to a goalless draw by Odisha FC in the Indian Super League at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Saturday, October 24, after Alaaeddine Ajaraie hit the woodwork with a stoppage-time penalty.

The draw kept the Highlanders unbeaten, but cost them the chance to extend their winning run and move three points clear at the top of the table.

First half

NorthEast started brightly. In the fifth minute, Nikola Ninković met a cross from Jithin M.S., but Odisha goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari kept out his right-footed shot. Odisha replied with a long-range attempt from Everton Nascimento that went wide.

Ajaraie later got behind his marker from a well-weighted through ball, only for Tiwari to save again. Neither side found a breakthrough before the break.

Late drama

Both coaches turned to their benches in the second half. Odisha brought on Nandhakumar Sekar in the 67th minute and later Rahim Ali and Manuel Molina. NorthEast introduced Parthib Gogoi and Ethyan González, with Redeem Tlang and Imran Khan coming on late.

In the first minute of added time, Moyano curled a shot just wide after a set-up from Tlang. Then, deep into stoppage time, Stephen Eze was penalised for handball from a Gogoi corner. Referee K. Ramdasan pointed to the spot, but Ajaraie's penalty struck the woodwork. It was the last action of the match.

What it means

Odisha will take heart from their defensive resilience and Tiwari's saves. For NorthEast, the result took them to seven points from three matches, after wins over Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Kerala Blasters.

Head coach Juan Pedro Benali later confirmed that Ajaraie would remain the side's penalty taker despite the miss.

Next up

The Highlanders return home to face Bengaluru FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Friday, October 30, in a meeting of the league's two unbeaten teams.