Sujan Limbu Ingnam netted a brace while Bimal Gharti Magar and Anjan Bista were also on score sheet for the home team that scored first three goals in the initial 22 minutes. The goal against Bangladesh was the sixth goal of Gharti Magar in the tournament and third goal of Ingnam. [break]
Nepal team backed by home supporters was also gifted an own goal by Bangladesh after the interval. Al Amin Tushar hit back the consolation for Bangladesh.
Nepal will now meet the winner of the second semifinal to be played between India and Afghanistan on Sunday at the Army ground, Lagankhel. The final will be held Tuesday.
"Everything went as per the plan and I am fully satisfied with the performance," said Nepal´s coach Bal Gopal Maharjan after his side´s convincing win. "We played attacking game from the start and achieved early goals. We had set the strategy of scoring 2/3 goals in the first 10 minutes. All players fulfilled their duty properly and gave their cent percent."
"Our ambition from the beginning is to keep the winner´s trophy at home and end Nepal´s international title drought," said Maharjan, a former Nepali international.
Bangladesh´s Dutch coach Koster Rene opined that despite putting fighting spirit, his side lost owing to numerous mistakes. He also cast doubt regarding the age of the players. "I have heard that all teams have fielded over-aged players," said the Dutchman while claiming that the age of all players of his side is genuine.
Rene also opined that Nepal was better in all aspects compared to his team. "Nepal is technically, tactically, physically and mentally better than Bangladesh. The boys were also nervous to play against big home crowd," said Rene. "The Nepali team is brought up in academy and has been playing together for the last four years. But we don´t have academy in Bangladesh."
Nepal intensified the attacks from the beginning and threatened Bangladesh in the fourth minute. But Shiva Subedi´s header in Dinesh Rajbanshi cross sailed above the bar. Three minutes later Bikash Thapa also delivered a similar header in Amit Tamang pass.
Ingnam opened the score in the eight minute when he tapped in Gharti Magar´s rebounder off the bar. Gharti Magar doubled the tally in the 20th with a free header from the area in a perfect cross by Amit Tamang. It was Gharti Magar´s sixth goal of the tournament.
Nepal made it 3-0 two minutes later out of scuffle from the crowded area utilizing the corner taken by skipper Hemant Thapa Magar.
Bangladesh defender headed to score in his own net in the 56th in his bid to defend Bikash Thapa´s cross. Ingnam netted second and last goal for the home team during an hour mark. Bengali custodian Hossain slipped an easy ball from his grip paving the way for Ingnam to score without much trouble. Nepal also wasted more than half a dozen chances during the match.
"The goalkeeper made terrible mistakes today," Rene said pointing at his custodian adding that he had made similar mistakes in a group stage match as well.
Bangladesh achieved consolation in the 65th by taking advantage of unattentive home defenders. He beat Nepali custodian Roman Rasaili in the area in the presence of three Nepali defenders. Bangladesh also came up with a couple of other attempts at post but custodian Rasaili prevented them.
Today´s match
India Vs Afghanistan
Time: 16:00
Venue: Army ground, Lagankhel
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