Topu goal gives Bangladesh win over 10-man Sri Lanka in Saff opener

Bangladesh began their Saff Championship 2021 campaign on a winning note as they beat 10-man Sri Lanka 1-0 in the opening match of the tournament at Maldives National Stadium Friday.

Topu Barman scored the all-important goal from the penalty spot 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 after Puslas received his marching orders following his second yellow card.

The men in red and green will take on archrivals India in their next match at the same venue Monday.

Spaniard Oscar Bruzon started his temporary reign as Bangladesh coach deploying 4-1-4-1 formation with in-form Uttar Baridhara striker Sumon Reza, who has eight league goals this season, stationed as the No 9.

Rakib Hossain and Abahani winger Jewel Rana, prolific in the league this season with 10 goals, played on the wings with Mohammad Ibrahim and Biplu taking their place in central midfield.

Defensive midfielder Jamal Bhuiyan shielded the back four, comprising Yasin Arafat at left back and Bishwanath Ghosh at the right, and Topu and Kazi Tariq Raihan at the center.  

The dependable Anisur Rahman Zico was in goal as he kept another clean sheet in his brief yet blooming Bangladesh career.

Bangladesh had the better chances in the first half, especially right at the stroke of the whistle when a Topu header from a Yasin cross was parried away by the Lankan goalkeeper Sujan Perera. 

And when the second half started, it was no more than Bangladesh had deserved when Topu scored from the spot after the Puslas handball.

Bruzon's charges could have added to their tally in the second half but missed a number of chances, and eventually made their man advantage count against the Lankans, taking home all three points in an assured display.   

Bangladesh XI: Anisur Rahman Zico, Yasin Arafat, Kazi Tariq Raihan, Topu Barman, Bishwanath Ghosh, Jamal Bhuiyan, Mohammad Ibrahim, Biplu Ahmed, Rakib Hossain, Jewel Rana and Sumon Reza, subs - Saad Uddin, Matin Miah, Mahbubur Rahman Sufil