It was goals galore for two-time runners-up Nepal, who are hoping to go one better this time by bagging the trophy. Skipper Anu Lama, Sajana Rana and Dipa Adhikari struck braces while Sabitri Bhandari and Menuka Giri also joined in the goal scoring spree. Midfielder Rana opened the scoring in the 14th minute before Giri doubled the lead eight minutes later. Nepal ran rampage after that adding three more goals going into the break.

Lama struck in the 36th and added her second four minutes later to take her international goal tally to 30. Rana too scored her second goal in the first minute of the first half injury time. Nepal scored three more goals after resumption against the hapless Bhutan in what was their first meeting at a senior tournament.

Nepali Army recruit Adhikari then found the back of the net in the 60th and 84th minute.  The 67th minute substitute Bhandari also scored in the 88th minute. The result was almost the repeat of the Afc U-16 Championships held earlier this year when Nepal trounced Bhutan 9-0.

Nepal lead the Group B standings on goal difference alone after tying on three points with Sri Lanka, who defeated hosts Pakistan 2-1 in the inaugural match on Tuesday. Nepal next play Pakistan on Friday and round-up the group stage with a match against Sri Lanka on Sunday.

Two times champions India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Maldives are in Group A. India kick off their campaign with a match against Maldives on Thursday. Top two teams from each pool qualify for the semi-finals.