BHUBANESWAR: NorthEast United FC and Odisha FC played a 2-2 draw at the Kalinga Stadium in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Monday, February 3, 2025.

A record-breaking brace from Alaaeddine Ajaraie was not enough for the Highlanders as Thoiba Singh and Isak Vanlalruatfela scored timely strikes to salvage a point from the clash.

With this result, NorthEast United FC have dropped 17 points this season from winning positions. Despite the draw, a brace from Ajaraie meant that he has scored 18 goals this season, matching the highest individual goals tally in an ISL season of Ferran Corominas (2017-18) and Bartholomew Ogbeche (2021-22).

NorthEast United FC’s persistence paid off in the 67th minute when Redeem Tlang took the corner short and played it to Buanthanglun Samte. The right-back delivered an exquisite ball into the box for Ajaraie on the far post and the Moroccan made no mistake in slotting it home for his 17th goal of the ongoing season.

NorthEast United FC’s joy was short-lived as Odisha FC secured the equaliser in the 78th minute, with Thoiba finding a way past Gurmeet from Isak’s inch-perfect cross from the left flank.

In the 83rd minute, Ajaraie pulled NorthEast United FC back into the lead when he headed it into the net past Amrinder Singh from a free-kick delivered by Nestor. His intelligence allowed him to lose his marker in the box before making the right connection on a brilliant delivery.

Things took a dramatic turn in the added time (90+3’) when Isak and Mauricio combined brilliantly before the youngster nestled the ball into the bottom left corner of Gurmeet’s net to pull the game back to level terms.

Odisha FC will next face FC Goa away from home on February 6, whereas NorthEast United FC will host Mumbai City FC in Shillong on February 7.

(Courtesy: ISL Media Team)