In the other Group A match of the day, Shillong Lajong defeated Mumbai FC 2-1 in a keenly-contested tie.
Pailan Arrows could have won the match but for lack of experience. The slippery ground condition caused by yesterday's downpour prevented both sides from playing their natural game at the JRD Tata Sports Complex.
After a barren first half, Pailan Arrows' forward Holicharan Narzary put his team into the lead in the 52nd minute after dribbling past two defenders of the rival team.
Dempo, however, equalised eight minute later as midfielder Clifford Miranda headed home.
Expressing satisfaction with the performance of his young side, Pailan coach Arthur Papas said in holding the strong Goan team, the boys have exhibited an impressive show.
Stating that the ground condition was not suitable for good football, Dempo coach Armando Colaco said the team will have to win the next two matches.
In the other match played at Keenan Stadium, Shillong Lajong FC surged ahead in the 43rd minute after Liberian-born American John D Menyongar, who was the captain of Liberia in the World Cup qualifier, converted a penalty awarded following a handball by a Mumbai FC player.
Lajong's joy was, however, shortlived as Mumbai FC's Nigerian recruit Ndobuisi Opara equalised after receiving a cross from the right flank in the injury time before the lemon break.
Later on the 82nd minute, it was the turn of Lajong's Nigerian striker Friday Gbeneme to score the winner after tearing apart the rival defence line.
