Clinical Prity hat-trick lifts Bangladesh U17 to back-to-back SAFF win over Nepal

Mahbubur Rahman Litu's side have nine points from four matches in the four-team event

Bangladesh's girls have registered their second successive victory over Nepal in the SAFF U17 Championship, winning 4-1 to strengthen their push for the title in Bhutan.

Sauravi Akanda Prity was the star of the show on WEdnesday, scoring a superb hat-trick after Thuinuye Marma had opened the scoring to give Bangladesh back-to-back wins against Nepal, following a 3-0 triumph in their first meeting.

Bangladesh dominated possession but were kept waiting until the 37th minute, when Thuinuye broke the deadlock with a neat finish from a deflected pass.

Within two minutes Prity doubled the lead, lifting the ball over the advancing goalkeeper after a precise through ball from Mamoni Chakma.

Nepal briefly threatened a comeback before half-time, as Bhumika Budathoki reduced the deficit with a powerful strike from distance.

But Bangladesh restored control in the second half.

Prity added her second on 71 minutes, turning in from a corner at the far post, before completing her hat-trick in the 86th minute with a composed finish from Purnima Marma’s cross.

Even heavy rain late in the match could not slow Bangladesh’s momentum, as they closed out a commanding win.

With nine points from four matches, Mahbubur Rahman Litu’s side sit strongly in the standings ahead of their return fixture against hosts Bhutan on Friday.

Earlier in the tournament Bangladesh beat Bhutan 3-1 and lost 2-0 to India, results that leave them well in contention in the four-team, double round-robin competition.