Topu double gives Bangladesh historic win on Dooley debut

A brace from veteran centre-back Topu Barman earned Bangladesh a historic 2-1 victory over San Marino at the San Marino Stadium last night, handing new coach Thomas Dooley a winning start to his tenure.

The triumph was significant on multiple fronts. It was Bangladesh's first-ever victory against European opposition, their first international match on European soil, and only their third encounter against a European nation.

Backed by a large contingent of Bangladeshi supporters who travelled from across Italy and other parts of Europe, the men in red and green made history in front of a near-capacity crowd at the 5,000-seat stadium.

Dooley made several notable selections in his first match in charge. Isa Faysal, Rafiqul Islam and captain Jamal Bhuyan returned to the starting eleven, while midfielder Shamit Shome was surprisingly named among the substitutes.

Despite San Marino enjoying much of the early possession, Bangladesh struck first in the 19th minute. Sheikh Morsalin delivered a cross to the far post where Topu rose highest to head home, giving Bangladesh the lead somewhat against the run of play. The goal was Topu's seventh at international level and Bangladesh's first-ever goal on European soil.

The hosts responded positively and found an equaliser in the 31st minute. A low cross from Filippo Berardi flashed across the face of goal before Nicolas Giacopetti applied the finish at the near post. Goalkeeper Mitul Marma was unable to keep the effort out and will feel he could have done better.

Bangladesh nearly restored their advantage six minutes later when Saad Uddin combined neatly with Morsalin in a one-two move, but the winger failed to keep his effort on target with only the goalkeeper to beat.

Dooley reshuffled his side at the interval, introducing Mohammad Sohel Rana, Shome and Zayyan Ahmed in place of Morsalin, Isa Faysal and Jamal Bhuyan.

The changes injected fresh energy into Bangladesh's attack. Three minutes after the restart, Rafiqul Islam's cross found Mohammad Sohel Rana in front of goal, but the midfielder failed to make meaningful contact.

Bangladesh came even closer in the 52nd minute. A dangerous delivery from Saad Uddin was met by Faysal Ahmed Fahim, whose effort rattled the post.

Dooley continued to alter his side, replacing Rafiqul and Fahim with Bishwanath Ghosh and Fahamedul Islam. The substitutes nearly made an immediate impact.

In the 67th minute, Bishwanath raced onto a long ball and found himself through on goal, only to drag his shot wide with just the goalkeeper to beat. Bangladesh were then forced into another change when an injured Sohel Rana made way for Quazem Shah Kifmanee.

As the match appeared to be drifting towards a draw, Topu produced the decisive moment four minutes from time. 

Following a free-kick delivered by Hamza Choudhury, Bishwanath volleyed the ball back into the danger area, where the veteran defender rose to power home his second header of the night in the 86th minute.

The goal sparked wild celebrations among the travelling Bangladesh supporters and sealed a memorable victory for Dooley in his first match in charge.

For Bangladesh, ranked 181st in the world, it was a landmark result against a San Marino side ranked 211th and playing their first-ever match against Asian opposition.