Nepal players celebrate finishing their AFC Challenge Cup campaign on a high note with a 3-0 win over Sri Lanka.

HYDERABAD – Nepal rounded off their AFC Challenge Cup campaign with a 3-0 victory over 2006 finalists Sri Lanka at the Gachibowli Stadium on Monday.

With both sides unable to make the semi-finals after suffering defeats by DPR Korea and Myanmar in Group B, Nepal took the lead after 14 minutes through Santosh Shahukhala.

Nepal doubled their lead nine minutes after the break as substitute midfielder Bhola Nath Silwal crossed for Ju Manu Rai to convert.

And Nepal sealed the win eight minutes after the hour mark Anjan KC curled home a free-kick past Sri Lanka goalkeeper Sugath Dammika Thilakaratne.

Nepal coach Birat Krishna Shrestha named the same team from the 3-0 defeat by Myanmar in their opening game of the tournament and the move paid off as his side dominated the opening exchanges as Rai saw his early header saved before Vishad Gouchan Thakali fired over.

But the dominance finally paid off as Shahukhala brought Parbat Pandey’s cross under control on his chest before charging into the area and scoring from close range.

Sri Lanka came close to an instant response two minutes later but Nepal goalkeeper Bikash Malla saved Kasun Jayasuriya’s strike, while at the other end Rai saw his effort cleared off the line by defender Chathura Hettige.

Malla again came to his side’s rescue to preserve the slender lead 14 minutes before the break as the Nepal custodian turned away Channa Ediribandanage’s free-kick before opposite number Thilakaratne denied Shahukhala and Bijay Gurung in quick succession three minutes later.

But Nepal were able to double their advantage as Silwal crossed for Rai to convert from close range after the initial delivery was only partially cleared by the Sri Lanka defence.

Rai should have grabbed a second three minutes after the hour mark as he strode clear of the Sri Lanka backline after beating the offside trap.

But with only Thilakaratne to beat, the Sri Lanka goalkeeper came out on top as he palmed the ball to safety.

Nepal sealed the win to end the tournament on a high as Anjan beat Thilakaratne with a free-kick eight minutes after the hour mark.

The victory helped Nepal finish third in Group B above pointless Sri Lanka and behind group winners DPR Korea and runners-up Myanmar, who both qualified for the semi-finals.