KATHMANDU: Nepal's midfielder Dinesh Hanjan scored a brace against India to successfully defend SAFF U-18 Championship played at the Changlimithang Statium, in Thimpu, on Monday.

Hanjan scored as early on 2nd minute and sealed the brace on 37th minute of the crucial encounter.

Earlier, Nepal had lost to the host Bhutan 1-0, comeback strongly to defeat Maldives 2-0, beat Bangladesh 2-1 before thrashing India in the finals to defend the title.

Nepal played an entertaining game from the word go and put on relentless pressure to the opposition. Both the teams created chances in the second half, however, Nepal successfully defended to retain the title.

Earlier, Sri Lanka had withdrawn from the tournament at the last moment citing internal problems.

Nepal line-up for the final

Goalkeeper: Arpan Karki (C)

Defenders: Bishwas Udas, Roman Limbu, Suman Aryal, Bikash Khawas

Midfielders: Abhisek Rijal, Anil Maharjan, Ashok Thapa, Dinesh Hanjan, Sesehang Angdembe

Forwards: Rajin Subba