Nepal gave a footballing masterclass as the Himalayan nation romped into the final of the Bangabandhu Gold Cup with a 4-1 win over favourites Maldives in the second semi-final in Dhaka on Tuesday.
The Nepalese will now take on Bahrain Under-23 team in the final of the competition on January 22 at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.Forward Nawayug Shrestha hit a superb hat-trick to keep the Maldivians at bay while Bishal Roy added the other. Nashid Ahmed pulled one goal back for Maldives.
Nawayug put Nepal ahead in the 31st minute when Bimal Gharti Magar saw his short-range effort hit the near post and Nawayug coolly smashed the ball into the on a rebounder.
Bishal extended the lead seven minutes into the second half when Anjan Bista’s shot was blocked by a Maldivian defender before the unmarked Nepali slotted the home with a left footed effort.
Nawayug netted his second of the day in the 61st minute chipping over an advancing goalkeeper.
Midfielder Nashid Ahmed reduced the margin in the 76th minute, receiving a fine through from Hassan Naiz the veteran midfielder sent the ball home from inside the box.
Nawayug completed the rout and celebrated the hat-trick with an injury time strike.
-With New Age input
