Nepal registered an 8-0 victory over Bhutan in the SAFF U-20 Women’s Championship on Saturday, thanks to hat-tricks from Purnima Rai and Meena Deuba.

The match, held at the practice ground of Bashundhara Kings Arena Sports Ground in Dhaka, saw Nepal put on a clinical performance, dominating from the first whistle. With this win, Nepal now have 12 points from five matches and a goal difference of 26, significantly strengthening their position in the title race.

Meena opened the scoring just 44 seconds into the game, later adding two more goals in the 12th and 65th minutes to complete her hat-trick. Purnima, meanwhile, found the net in the 23rd minute, injury time of the first half, and again six minutes into added time to round off her treble. Purnima and Senu Pariyar were then rested for the second half, with Barsha Oli and Kusum Khatiwada coming as replacements.

Samikshya Magar added her name to the scoresheet in the 9th minute, while Kusum Khatiwada scored in the 63rd minute to compound Bhutan’s misery.

The dominant win gives Nepal a crucial goal difference advantage as the championship nears its conclusion. Later on Saturday, hosts Bangladesh are scheduled to face Sri Lanka in another key fixture.

Nepal hope for a favourable result in that match as they continue their push for the championship crown.