Mapusa: Dempo SC earned their first point in the Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy at Duler stadium, courtesy a 1-1 draw against Kerala Blasters on Saturday.

The Golden Eagles struck early from the spot through Sairon Albuquerque but Kerala’s Aritra Das levelled the playing field before the halftime whistle.

Dempo SC’s Laximanrao Rane was denied twice, initially by the crossbar followed by Kerala’s keeper. Whereas, Dempo SC’s Sheldon Fernandes squandered away a golden opportunity.

Dempo SC was awarded a penalty as Lapung was brought down by Kerala’s Cherian in the 12th minute.

Sairon Albuquerque neatly slotted it in the bottom left corner to give Dempo SC the lead.

Kerala Blasters were relentless in search of an equalizer and were rewarded late in the first half as Sreekuttan whipped a low pass to Aritra Das who smashed it in towards the far post.

In the second half, Dempo SC’s Laximanrao Rane’s shot rattled the crossbar as it was blocked by the Kerala Blasters defender. The loose ball fell back kindly to Laximanrao Rane who headed it but was cleared off the line by the Kerala Blasters goalkeeper.

Kerala Blasters maintained their high press in pursuit of a goal, but Vibin Vidhu’s header from a free kick found the turf before ricocheting off the crossbar.

With six minutes of added time, Dempo SC’s Meven Dias fired a shot from a distance, only to be denied by the fingertips of the Kerala Blasters keeper.