Striker Nawayug Shrestha scored a hat-trick as Nepal defeated Bhutan 5-0 in South Asian Games men football on Sunday.

Shrestha opened the scoring on the 33rd minute and added the second on 75th minute. Bishal Rai and Anjan Bista scored in between Shrestha’s first and second on 44th and 51st minute respectively. Shrestha then completed his hat-trick on the 85th.

Bhutan finished the game with 10 players when Dorji was sent off for a reckless challenge.

Nepal will play their second match against Bangladesh on February 11.

Nepal had claimed gold in SAG mens football in 1984 and 1993. The team had won silver in 1987 and 1999 and won bronze in 1989.