Joshi's triple strike in a 3-2 (half-time 2-2) win today, took his country to the semi-finals and added a touch of refreshment to a tourney stared of excitement. While opening his account in international soccer, Joshi also sparked off a brilliant start to German coach Torsten Spittler's overseas coaching career. His scoring feat also scripted the mountain kingdom's first ever victory over Sri Lanka.

Spittler, unemotional and unmoved during the match despite the drama on the pitch acknowledged the day being a great one for Joshi, Nepalese football and for himself but praised his young team for a performance of energy and determination.

Goals came in a flurry in the first half after Nepal surged into an early lead. By the 23rd minute it was 2-1 to Sri Lanka with goals in successive minutes a penaltyby skipper Roshan Perera and a strike by Amanullah who punished a defensive mix-up. But, to the delight of the small crowd, it was level-pegging in the 40th minute when Joshi struck again.

The Nepalese, setting a hot pace from the start, aways indulged in forward movement and fought fiercely for possession. The young side sustaining pace for 90 minutes and belying Spittler's pre-match strategy that spelt defence as the priority, struck the winner in the 81st minute through Joshi again who duly picked up the Most Valuable Player Award.

Genial Lankan coach Hassimdeen still managed a smile after the defeat. A former international, Hassimdeen called for the replacement of his star striker Roshan Perera, the captain and his attacking colleague Amanullah.

The duo provided damp squib again, according to the coach, despite a penalty conversion by Perara in the 22nd minute and a strike in the following minute by Amanullah that grabbed the lead for the Lankans.