Federation Cup champions Dempo overcame an early setback to carve out a 2-1 victory over Vasco in the National Football League in Margao, Goa, on Monday.

Vasco started off well and looked on course to score their first victory in the league when Alex Ambrose put them ahead in the 21st minute.

However, man-of-the-Match Clifford Miranda then produced a gem of a goal from a free-kick to restore parity seven minutes before the break.

Three minutes into the second half, R C Prakash uncorked a left-footer to beat Vasco keeper Rogerio Ramos to give Dempo their fifth victory in the tournament.

Dempo, with 17 points from eight matches, are in second position.

League leaders East Bengal have 21 points from nine matches.

Vasco, who are without a win, are languishing at the bottom with two points from eight matches.