Odisha FC and NorthEast United played out a 2-2 draw in an Indian Super League (ISL) match at the GMC Stadium here on Tuesday. Odisha took the lead through Diego Mauricio (26') before Benjamin Lambot (45+1') drew parity. Kwesi Appiah (65') then converted a penalty to put the Highlanders ahead but soon saw his goal cancelled out by Cole Alexander (67'). Odisha named an unchanged XI from the side that lost to Bengaluru FC while NorthEast coach Gerard Nus rang in four changes with Federico Gallego handed a start.

The first half saw a cagey contest with both sides heading into the break level after creating plenty of chances. The first big chance of the game arrived during the 10th minute but Odisha keeper Arshdeep Singh produced a fine save to deny an opener for the Highlanders. Gallego picked up Kwesi Appiah with a long ball, and the latter made space for himself between two markers but saw his shot blocked by Arshdeep. Minutes later, Odisha carved out a great chance at the other end from a set-piece and should have bagged the lead. Diego Mauricio had two attempts on goal and his second one seemed to be heading into the net before Dylan Fox pulled off a fine goal-line clearance to keep it goalless. But the Brazilian redeemed himself with a wonder-strike to hand his side the lead. Mauricio, receiving the ball from outside the box, cut inside before drilling a low shot that trickled into the back of the net.