Keeper Abhijit Mondal's splendid saves in the second half saved Dempo the blushes as they held Mohun Bagan to a one all draw in the 10th ONGC National Football League at Nehru Stadium in Margao on Sunday.
Man of the match Bolaji Mejeck gave Dempo the lead in the 61st minute, which was cancelled by Mehatab Hussian through a penalty in the 64th.
The two teams now have three points from five matches. Dempo are yet to win a match.
Bolaji Mejek, drafted in the midfield in place of Nacemento Silveira, gave good support to Roberto.
Dempo made their intention clear from the start. They came close to scoring on few occasions but lacked the direction.
Isfaq Ahmed, who partnered Ranty Martins upfront, was more enterprising of the two. He had couple of scoring chances but failed to direct his shots on target.
His best chance was a few minutes before the interval when he was left unmarked inside the box but fumbled a Jules Dias cross. Roberto Silva also tried long rangers, which missed the target narrowly.
Bagan who haven't scored in the last four matches they played, dictated terms in the latter part of the first half and nearly succeeded in taking the lead but defender Stanley Colaco did well to clear the ball out of danger from the goal line off Tomba Singh shot.
The match turned lively in the second half as both the teams went for the kill.
Bagan were deprived of taking the lead again as Dempo's keeper Abhijit Mondal brought off splendid saves denying Akum Ao, Ibrahim Awudu and Mehatab Hussian from scoring.
Dempo took the lead in the 61st minute, Ranty Martins who played a back pass to Bolaji Mejeck who controlled the ball, unleashed a 40-yard right-footer that beat Subrato Paul all ends.
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Defender John Dias who tried to chest a lob by Mehatab Hussian struck his hand to the ball and referee N Mohan rightly pointed to the dreaded spot.
Mehatab Hussian who took the kick converted in the second attempt after his first shot was blocked by keeper Mondal by diving to his right.
Thereafter it was Bagan who did most of the attack and Dempo were lucky not to concede a goal with Mondal making fine saves.
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