Tripureshwar: It was a day of literal and metaphorical fireworks as the Nepali U-23 football team tore through China’s Qinghai Youth Team 5-1 in a pulsating Chinese New Year friendly at the iconic Dasharath Stadium.

Tamang Double Sparks Dominant Display: The young Nepali side was absolutely electric, with Samir Tamang emerging as the match’s hero. His clinical brace, coupled with goals from Tshering Lama, Sanjib Bista, and Nirajan Dhami, painted the red and blue of the stadium with the joy of victory.

Early Blitz Sets the Tone: The Nepalese Colts wasted no time asserting dominance. Bista, showing no holiday rust, sent the home crowd into a frenzy with a goal in the second minute. Tamang took over, his first goal just before halftime a moment of individual brilliance, leaving the Chinese defense clutching at straws.

Second Half Spree Seals the Deal: The second half was about Nepal building on their lead. Tamang bagged his second in the 54th minute, followed by a composed finish from Lama nine minutes later. Dhami put the icing on the cake with a 75th-minute goal, sending the Dasharath faithful into raptures.

Chinese Threat Fades Fast: Peng Kou’s consolation goal for China in the 78th minute was a mere flicker of hope for the visitors. Brimming with confidence and swagger, the young Nepali guns held firm to secure a memorable victory.