Nepal created history on Friday by defeating Bahrain U-23 3-0 in the final of Bangabandhu Gold Cup Football Tournament. Nepal produced a fine effort to see off Bahrain in a toughly contested final in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

This is the first time in 23 years Nepal won a major international title. Nepal’s last international title in foreign soil came back in 1993 when they defeated India 4-3 in penalties after a 2-2 stalemate during the South Asian Games final in Dhaka. 

Bimal Gharti Magar opened the scoring in the fifth minute after Bahrain’s keeper produced a good effort to save Anjan Bista’s header. Anjan Bista created the second goal for Bishal Rai after he rounded off Bahrain’s defender inside the box.

Goalkepeer Bikesh Kuthu produced strings of saves to keep Bahrain at bay. 

Nawayug Shrestha put icing on the cake after scoring an injury time goal to triple the lead. Nawayug Shrestha ended the tournament as the highest goal scorer with four goals to his name.

Shrestha has been declared the man of tournament, while Bimal Gharti Magar was declared the man of the final match.