Dhaka, 19 January 2016: Nepal cruised into the final of Bangabandhu Gold Cup thrashing Maldives 4-1 in the 2nd semifinal at the Bangbandhu National Stadium on Tuesday.

Nawayug Shrestha slammed hat-trick for the winners.

In a quick counter attack Nepal midfielder Nawayug Shrestha went past a Maldives defence but his low right footer went straight to Maldives goalie Faisal Mahamed in the 15th minute.

Nepal took the lead in the 30th minute through their midfielder Nawayug Shreshtha. Rabin Shrestha sent a through pass to forward Bimol Gharti Magar whose fierce left footer hit the side post and Nawayug placed the ball into the net. (1-0)

In the 44th minute Maldives forward Easa Ismail fierce right from 20 yards out was punched for corner by Nepal goalie Bikesh kuthu.

Nepal doubled their lead in the 53rd minute when Anjan Bista paved the way for Bishal Rai between two Maldives defenders at the middle of the box. Bisha Rai blasted home with Maldives goalie Faisal failing to react. (2-0)

Nawayug netted his second goal and third for Nepal in the 62nd minute with a upward placing shot over the onrushing goalie Faisal from the left side of the box. (3-0)

Maldives reduced the margin in the 75th minute through their forward Nashid Ahmed who scored from a through pass of Hasan Naiz. (3-1)

In the 79th minute Maldives substitute forward Ibrahim Ansar's shot hit the crosspiece.

Nawayug Shrestha completed his hat-trick with a placing shot in the injury time of the match, the ball fed by Hemang Gurung. (4-1)