Despite wasting several scoring chances in the first half, Vasco rallied from behind in the second half to hold Dempo to a 1-1 draw and split points in the eighth National Football League at Margao on Sunday.
Putting up an uninspiring show with a barren first half, Dempo took the lead in the 65th minute through Sunday Seah off a pass from Clifford Miranda.
Vasco, who also missed scoring chances in the first half, restored parity in the 71st minute through Amaechi Tochukwu.
Dempo's third draw in a row put them at par with East Bengal with 24 points from 13 matches. East Bengal, who have played one match less, but have better goal difference, move on top of the chart for the first time.
Vasco collected 20 points from 13 matches. Vasco appeared to be settling down for some earnings as initial midfield play created four scoring chances but their strikers Amaechi, Agnelo Colaco and Levy Coelho failed to find the target.
Luck also did not favour them as Sushant Mathew and Vinu Jose hit the woodwork.
On the other hand, Dempo failed to play as a unit in the first half and the absence of defenders Bolaji, Sameer Naik and medio Mohammed Gafari was felt as they failed to built constructive moves.
It was only in the second half they showed urgency and purpose which fetched them the goal.
Clifford, who worked hard on the flank, relayed a pass to Sunday Seah who essayed an angular shot that beat keeper Ramos to his right to find the far post.
However, Vasco came off with counter moves and restored parity six minutes later when Amaechi made amends for his earlier lapses to guide the ball in from close off a pass from Levy Coelho.
Referee P Bhaskar showed yellow card to Dempo's Melvin Rodrigues.