NorthEast United FC missed the chance to extend their winning start to the Indian Super League (ISL) 2026/27 season on Saturday, drawing 0-0 with Odisha FC at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar after Moroccan striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie hit the post with a stoppage-time penalty, IANS reported.

Source: IANS via AsiaPost

The Highlanders were awarded the penalty in the fifth minute of added time after Odisha defender Stephen Eze was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area from a Parthib Gogoi corner. Ajaraie stepped up from 12 yards, but his effort struck the woodwork and rebounded into play in what was the final action of the match, according to the match record and IANS reporting.

NorthEast United had created the first clear chance in the fifth minute, when Nikola Ninkovic connected with a cross from Jithin MS and forced a save from Odisha goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari. Ajaraie was denied by Tiwari again after latching onto a through ball, while NorthEast goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh made crucial saves at the other end to keep the scores level, NE India Broadcast reported.

Source: NE India Broadcast

Both coaches turned to their benches in the second half in search of a breakthrough. Odisha introduced Nandhakumar Sekar for Jeremy Zohminghlua in the 67th minute and later brought on Rahim Ali and Manuel Molina, while NorthEast United sent on Parthib Gogoi and Ethyan Gonzalez before Redeem Tlang replaced Macarton Nickson in the 86th minute, IANS reported.

The draw means NorthEast United could not build a three-point gap at the top of the standings, while Odisha FC took a hard-earned point at home. Awaaz Punjab will carry the updated ISL standings as the next round of fixtures is played.