Mumbai outfit Mahindra United�wasted many scoring opportunities and were forced to settle for a goalless draw with�a ten-strong Dempo, Goa, in their opening match of the Under-19 National Football League in Mapusa, Goa, on Wednesday.

Mahindras, who held more�ball possession and midfield superiority, had two scoring chances midway into the
first-half but Agnelo Francis's long ranger was collected by Dempo 'keeper Rosebu Deniz.�Later Shanwaz Ansari shot over from inside the box.

Dempo came close to scoring in the 30th minute when a curling shot from Senel Fernadnes, off a flag-kick, was collected by Mahindra 'keeper Rajesh Bangera.

Dempo were reduced to ten men fifteen minutes after the breather when�Clifton Gonsalves received a second yellow from referee K Ravindran of Kerala but Mahindra failed to exploit the numerical advantage.

Fazal Martin led the Dempo defence from the front. Keeper�Deniz also made two good saves to deny Mahindra three points.

Tomorrow: Churchill Bros vs Salgaocar.