Topu feels happy with winning goal

Bangladesh defender Topu Barman expressed contentment as his goal secured a vital win for the men in red and green in their Saff Championship opener against Sri Lanka in Maldives Friday. 

Bangladesh controlled proceedings throughout the match against the lowly ranked Sri Lanka but failed to produce more than a goal for their efforts, and in the end the goal from the penalty spot became the decider.  Topu has made a habit of scoring vital goals in the international stage as he scored the crucial equalizer against strong Afghanistan in the recent World Cup Qualifier, and against the Lankans he converted the spot kick in the 54th minute to clinch his fifth goal in Bangladesh jersey. “I am satisfied the team won thanks to my goal,” said the 26-year old defender after the match. “I thank my teammates for their effort. The win was crucial,” he added.  In the 54th minute after a Biplu Ahmed cross intended for Mohammad Ibrahim was handled inside the box by Lankan defender Duckson Puslas, Topu stroked home the penalty calmly. Puslas received his marching orders following his second yellow card. By scoring the goal he equals the record of forward Mahbubur Rahman Shakil as both have five goals each, the highest among the current lot of players. 

Topu scored his first international goal in the Saff Championship 2015 against Bhutan in Dhaka before scoring two more in the Saff 2018 in Dhaka to help his side win against Pakistan.  However, he rates the goal against Afghanistan his best so far. “Every goal is important for the team. Still, I rate my goal against Afghanistan as my best,” said the footballer from Narayanganj. Topu also said the job ahead is tougher but he is confident of helping his side by scoring goal aside from his primary responsibility as a defender.  “My main job is to secure defense. I will also try to score goals," said the Bashundhara Kings defender. Bangladesh will need optimum effort from Topu and his colleagues when they face mighty India in the next fixture Monday.

Bruzon says, Bangladesh were in total control, but finishing can improve

Bangladesh interim head coach Oscar Bruzon said they were in total control over proceedings against Sri Lanka in the Saff Championship opener in Male Friday, but rued the finishing in the 1-0 win. The first half ended goalless despite Bangladesh fashioning the better chances and the deadlock was broken in the second half when defender Topu Barman stroked home from the penalty spot after a handball by Duckson Puslas. "I think we had total control over the game. We wanted to dominate in the central area and the opposition half. In the first half Sri Lanka defended deep in their half, we weren't able to keep control of the ball in some parts. At the end of the first half, we created some good chances down the left wing," said Bruzon after the game. After the goalless first half, Bruzon decided to bring in forward Sadd Uddin in place of winger Jewel Rana and minutes later Bangladesh took the lead. The Spanish coach said they decided to change things after the first half whistle, altering the 4-1-4-1 formation to 4-4-2.