It was Nepal's victory against the Maldives after 17 years since the Eighth South Asian Games in 1999 in Kathmandu. This was also the biggest-margin win over the Maldives. Similarly, Nepal also entered the final of any tournament after 17 years.
Nawayug was on the score-sheet on the 31st minute, 62nd minute and the stoppage time against the Maldives to record his name as the first player to net hat-trick in the ongoing tournament.
Meanwhile, Nepal also maintained its unbeaten streak to four matches in the tournament as it played goalless draw against Felda United (Malaysia) and host Bangladesh and beat Sri Lanka by 1-0 in the Group A matches.
Nepal will face Bahrain U-23 team, which beat host Bangladesh by 1-0 on Monday in the first semifinal, for the title of the tournament on Friday at the same venue.
Nepal took the lead over the Maldives in the 31st minute after Nawayug pounced on Bimal Gharti Magar's rebounder off the upright. Nepal added three more goals after the break.
Bishal doubled the advantage for Nepal in the 52nd minute converting Rabin Shrestha's cross.
Nawayug scored the third goal of the team in the 62nd minute from the edge of the danger zone utilizing Bikram Lama's short pass.
Nashid Ahmed cut the deficit in the 76th minute scoring from the danger zone after beating Nepali goalkeeper Bikesh Kuthu.
Nawayug sealed the victory and achieved his hat-trick in the stoppage time, confirming Nepal's final meeting against Bahrain U-23.
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