Dooley surprised by Ibrahim’s match-winning impact against Bhutan

Dhaka, Bangladesh || Friday, 6 November 2026 || 21 Kartik 1433

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Dooley surprised by Ibrahim’s match-winning impact against Bhutan

Published : Friday, 6 November, 2026 at 2:28 PM, Count : 39

Dooley surprised by Ibrahim’s match-winning impact against Bhutan

Bangladesh head coach Thomas Dooley admitted he did not expect Mohammad Ibrahim to score after bringing the forward on as a replacement for makeshift striker Bishwanath Ghosh in Bangladesh's 1-0 victory over Bhutan in their SAFF Championship opener at the National Stadium on Thursday.

Dooley had surprised many by deploying centre-back Bishwanath as the lone striker instead of a recognised forward. The defender, who assisted a goal and came close to scoring himself against San Marino, put in a determined performance in the unfamiliar role but failed to find the net before being substituted in the 65th minute.

Fortis FC forward Ibrahim made an immediate impact, scoring the decisive goal in the 69th minute to give Bangladesh a winning start to their campaign to reclaim the title they last won in 2003.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Dooley explained that Bishwanath was replaced because he was becoming tired and was unable to hold the ball effectively.

“He was getting a little tired from all the running, and he is not a player who can hold the ball,” Dooley said.

“We needed someone who could hold the ball and allow Shamit Shome, Rakib Hossain and Faisal Hossain Fahim to move into position.

“So, we took Bishwanath off and brought Ibrahim on as a number 10, with Shamit moving forward to conserve his energy a little. I thought he might get a good header in front of goal, but I wasn't expecting Ibrahim to score. I was more thinking that he would set somebody else up,” he added.

Ibrahim, who was left out of the squad for the FIFA ASEAN Cup, had recently scored a crucial goal against Kyrgyzstan's Muras United to help Fortis reach the group stage of the AFC Challenge League. His match-winning contribution against Bhutan further highlighted his recent form.

Meanwhile, Dooley praised Bishwanath's performance despite his failure to score.

He said the defender's energy and relentless movement created difficulties for opposition defenders, adding that he had discussed his plan to use Bishwanath in an attacking role with the player last week.

“The energy he brings up front is very difficult for defenders to deal with. When someone like him comes forward, he never stops running at full intensity, and that's what I like about him,” Dooley said.

The coach also explained that competition for places in defence, particularly with Saad Uddin and Tariq Kazi performing well, had influenced his decision to utilise Bishwanath further up the pitch.

“I want to give him playing opportunities and put him in a position where he can help us the most, and that is up front. As a number nine, you need to go where it hurts, and he is not afraid to do that,” he said.

Dooley added that he had hoped Bishwanath would score but was pleased with his overall contribution despite the defender missing his opportunity.

“I was hoping so much that he would get a chance to score, but he wasn't lucky enough to get that ball in. Still, I am very happy with him,” the Bangladesh coach said.

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