Nepal has advanced to the finals of the SAFF U-20 Championship after a penalty shootout victory over Bhutan.

The match, held at the ANFA Complex on Sunday, ended in a 1-1 draw after the standard 90 minutes, leading to the decisive penalty shootout.

In the shootout, Nepal emerged victorious with a 4-1 scoreline. Nepal's successful penalty takers included Ram Thapa, Avinash Syangtan, Simant Thapa, and Ziarath Shekh.

Bhutan’s sole scorer in the shootout was Jetsun Dorjee. Notably, Nepal’s goalkeeper, Ziarath Shekh, played a pivotal role by saving two of Bhutan’s penalty attempts, earning him the title of match hero.

Nepal will face the winner of the second semi-final, which will determine their opponent for the final. The much-anticipated final is scheduled to take place on Wednesday.