Defending champions Dempo Sports Club and Mahindra United settled for a 1-1 draw in the eighth round of the ONGC [Get Quote] I-League at Nehru stadium in Margao.

Mahinda took the lead in the 15th minute through K Ajayan.

Dempo who had more of the ball possession and scoring chances, especially in the first half, restored parity in the 19th minute through Nicholau Borges.

Mahindra keeper Sandip Nandy, who denied Dempo a win by making two good saves, was declared man of the match.

Dempo, who is leading the table, now have 18 points from eight matches, while Mahindra has collected 11.

Dempo, who looked more positive in attack, made the first move in the second minute and keeper Sandip Nandy had to bring off a good save off a powerful 20-yard shot from Roberto Silva.

Mahindra, which kept Dempo's strike force on a tight leash, looked more effective in attack after introducing Andrews M Pomeyie in place of injured Mohammed Rafi.

Douhou Sey D Pierre, who played as a withdrawn forward, masterminded most of their moves and Mahindra took the lead in the 15th minute.

A well orchestrated attack saw Douhou Pierre square the ball to Ajayan at the top of the box and the India international sent a fine placement to the far corner of the net.

Dempo equalised four minutes later through Nicholau Borges who shot home after the ball deflected off a defender after a flag-kick taken by Anthony Pereira.

Dempo, who took control over proceedings as the match progressed, created a couple of scoring chances and were unlucky as Roberto Silva's free-kick hit the cross bar and later Sandip Nandy came out to block Ranti Martins shot off a pass from Mahesh Gawli.

Earlier, Martins a header went inches over the bar.

Dempo piled up pressure in the latter stages and had the best chance to score the winner in the 74th minute but Martins, who was unguarded inside the box, missed the target from close off substitute Peter Carvalho's pass.

Referee P Bhasker showed the yellow card to Mahindra's Andews Pomeyie and Yusif Yakubu as well as Dempo's Nicholau Borges.

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