Dhaka:Bangladesh captain Topu Barman is determined to capitalize on the opportunity to play the SAFF Championship at home, pledging to give his best and inspire his teammates to achieve the desired result. Bangladesh is set to kick off their SAFF Championship campaign against Bhutan in their opening group match scheduled for tomorrow at the National Stadium.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Topu expressed his enthusiasm at a pre-match press conference, highlighting the significance of playing the championship in Dhaka for the first time since 2018. He emphasized his commitment to inspiring the team and turning their potential into reality, aiming for a second regional crown, the first since 2003.
Bangladesh will begin their campaign without key midfielder Hamza Choudhury, who is expected to join the squad before the second group match against Sri Lanka. Despite Hamza's absence, Topu stressed the importance of securing a positive result against Bhutan to provide a strong platform for the team.
Topu also called on supporters to extend their wholehearted backing as Bangladesh hosts the regional championship after eight years. He acknowledged the challenges ahead but expressed confidence in the team's ability to make a positive start against Bhutan.
Head coach Thomas Dooley shared his confidence in the team's preparations, underscoring the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and fighting until the final whistle. Dooley highlighted the significance of playing in front of home supporters and the team's focus on delivering their best performance throughout the tournament.