Playing their first-ever match on European soil against a European opponent, Bangladesh saw experienced defender Topu Barman steal the spotlight.
Delivering a stellar performance throughout the match, Topu scored not just once, but twice, securing a memorable victory to mark the beginning of a new chapter for the national team.
San Marino hosted Bangladesh in a FIFA friendly match on Friday (June 5). In the encounter held at the Stadio Olimpico Serravalle, Bangladesh defeated the hosts 2-1.
Following a 1-1 deadlock in the first half, Topu’s second-half strike sealed the win for the visitors. Nicolas Jacopetti scored the lone goal for San Marino.
The match also marked the debut of German tactician Thomas Dooley in his new stint in the Bangladesh dugout.
Although he kept Samit Som, Fahamedul Islam, and Zayan Ahmed on the bench for the starting XI, he made multiple substitutions after the interval. The German mastermind left the pitch with a brilliant victory in his very first assignment.
Bangladesh launched their first notable attack in the 17th minute, but captain Jamal Bhuyan's shot inside the box was blocked by the opposition defense.
The breakthrough came just two minutes later. In the 19th minute, a well-coordinated attack saw Shekh Morsalin deliver a brilliant cross from the right flank, which Topu Barman met with a precise header to give Bangladesh the lead.
However, San Marino equalized in the 31st minute. Berardi broke down the right wing, cut past Topu inside the box, and delivered a cutback.
Despite three Bangladeshi defenders being present in the area, none could clear the ball, allowing Nicolas Jacopetti to capitalize and level the score for the hosts.
In the 38th minute, Saad Uddin had only the goalkeeper to beat but fired the ball over the crossbar, missing a crucial chance to restore the lead.
After the break, coach Dooley substituted Jamal and Morsalin, bringing on Samit Som and Zayan Ahmed. Additionally, Isa Faysal was replaced.
In the 48th minute, Sohel Rana failed to connect with a cross from Rofiqul in front of the goal during a spell of excellent passing football by Bangladesh.
In the 53rd minute, Fahim leaped to meet a cross from Saad, but his shot went off target. Eight minutes later, Bangladeshi goalkeeper Mitul rescued his side by turning a brilliant free-kick from Capicchioni out for a corner.
Shortly after, Dooley substituted Fahim and Rofiqul for Bishwanath Ghosh and Fahamedul Islam. Minutes after coming on, defender Bishwanath found himself with a golden opportunity, but with only the opposition goalkeeper ahead of him, he failed to keep his shot on target.
As it was a friendly match, both teams had agreed to an extended number of substitutions, and in the 76th minute, Sohel Rana Sr. was replaced by Kazem Shah Kirmani.
The defining moment arrived late in the match, in the 86th minute. Hamza delivered a free-kick from just outside the box, and after the initial ball missed everyone, Bishwanath hit a side-volley that Topu Barman intercepted with a brilliant header into the back of the net.
Following the goal, the veteran defender took off his jersey in wild celebration, while the expatriate Bangladeshi fans in the stands erupted in joy over the historic win. Bangladesh comfortably held on to leave the pitch with a historic 2-1 victory.
