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, reports BSS.
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.
UNB adds, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday joined millions of fans across Bangladesh and around the world in congratulating the team, the Bangladesh Football Federation, and all associated on this groundbreaking performance as the team secured its first-ever victory on European soil.
Despite playing away from home, the Bangladesh team was cheered on by hundreds of Bangladeshi nationals who travelled from across Europe to support the team - a testament to the spirit and pride of our diaspora community.
The Bangladesh Ambassador to Italy and officials of the Bangladesh Embassy were also present to support and encourage the team on this historic occasion, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In a landmark moment for Bangladeshi football, the Bangladesh National Football Team has etched its name into the history books by securing its first-ever victory on European soil, defeating San Marino in last evening's (5 June 2026) FIFA international friendly match.
The historic triumph, which ended with a scoreline of [2-1], marks a monumental milestone for the Bengal Tigers.
Played at the San Marino Stadium, the team displayed resilience, tactical discipline, and a fighting spirit that captivated fans back home and around the globe.
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