Topu ‘fully fit’ for must-win game

Veteran centre-back Topu Barman has declared himself fully fit ahead of Bangladesh's crucial away fixture against Hong Kong in the Asian Cup Qualifiers on Tuesday. With only three matches remaining, the defender emphasised that the team cannot afford to drop any more points.

The Bashundhara Kings defender, who came on as a late second-half substitute in the previous match, expressed his readiness to start as Bangladesh aims to turn around their campaign after a second defeat in three games.

Bangladesh, who lost 4-3 to Hong Kong in Dhaka on Thursday, currently sit at the bottom of Group C with just one point, while Hong Kong lead the group with seven points.

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After arriving in Hong Kong early Saturday, the Bangladesh squad underwent a light recovery session at the match venue yesterday.

"The result of the last match was unexpected for everyone, including players and fans. It's disappointing, but we must move on and focus on the match on the 14th," Topu said in a video message shared by the Bangladesh Football Federation.

"I'm 100 percent fit now and ready to play," he added.

Bangladesh had mounted a dramatic comeback from 3-1 down, leveling the match in the ninth minute of stoppage time thanks to a brilliant header from Shamit Shome. However, Hong Kong struck again two minutes later with Raphael Merkies completing a hattrick, sealing a last-ditch win.

Topu felt the team lacked professionalism in those final moments.

"We should have stayed more focused. Conceding in the last 30 seconds was avoidable. We needed to slow the game down and be more sensible. We all want to do well in the next match because we won't have another chance without a victory," he said.