Photo: BSS

DHAKA, June 6, 2026 (BSS)- Defender Topu Barman scored a brace as Bangladesh made history by securing their first-ever victory on European soil, beating San Marino 2-1 in an international friendly at the San Marino Stadium on Friday night. 

This landmark victory marks a massive milestone for the Bangladesh national football team. It marked the first game under newly appointed head coach Thomas Dooley and Bangladesh's first-ever match against a European national team on European soil.

Scenes of celebration erupted immediately after the final whistle as players and coaching staff rushed onto the pitch from the Bangladesh dugout. The players embraced one another in joy following the historic victory.

Meanwhile, Bangladeshi expatriates in the stands were immersed in jubilant celebration.

Having lost their previous two encounters against European opposition-both played in India-Bangladesh finally broke new ground by securing a memorable victory over San Marino.

The hero of the night was experienced defender Topu Barman, who scored both goals for Bangladesh, finding the net once in each half to hand the new coach a winning start.

Bangladesh took the lead in the 19th minute when Topu Barman rose to head home a cross delivered by Sheikh Morsalin from the right flank.

However, the hosts fought back in the match before half-time. In the 31st minute, Filippo Berardi darted down the right wing and evaded Topu Barman before squaring the ball to Nicolas Giacopetti, who finished confidently to level the score at 1-1.

Bangladesh came close to regaining the lead in the 53rd minute when Faisal Ahmed Fahim connected with a cross from Sad Uddin, but his effort struck the far post.

Substitute Biswanath Ghosh then missed a clear opportunity in the 68th minute, dragging his shot wide of the target.

The decisive moment arrived in the 86th minute. A free-kick delivered by Hamza Choudhury dropped near the edge of the San Marino penalty area. Biswanath Ghosh fired a shot, and Topu Barman deftly redirected the ball with a header, changing its direction and sending it into the net.

The goal sealed a historic 2-1 victory, giving Bangladesh their first-ever win and providing an ideal start to the Thomas Dooley era.