Published Saturday, 06 June 2009
The Manchester City defender, who also scored in the corresponding game at Croke Park in March, headed the visitors in front 24 minutes into a pulsating encounter in Sofia.
But once midfielder Dimitar Telkiyski had levelled five minutes later, the Irish were forced to defend for dear life to retain their five-point lead over the Bulgarians in Group Eight.
Giovanni Trapattoni's men, who would have gone to the top of the group ahead of World champions Italy with a win, remain in pole position to claim at least second spot, with Bulgaria, who have played a game fewer, still to go to Cyprus and Italy.
Ireland arrived at the Vasil Levski Stadium having yet to lose a competitive game under Trapattoni and knowing a positive result on the night would edge them ever closer to South Africa.
For 25 minutes, the 70-year-old Italian must have been thrilled with what he saw as his side not only held their own at a venue where they had never previously tasted victory, but took the game to their hosts.
Despite the inclusion of big names Dimitar Berbatov, Martin Petrov and Valeri Bojinov, who all missed the 1-1 draw in Dublin through injury, it was the visitors who made the early running.
Winger Stephen Hunt forced the game's first save with only six minutes gone when he met Damien Duff's cross with a downward header at the far post, and Bulgaria keeper Dimitar Ivankov was called upon again seconds later when Caleb Folan sent in a firm shot from the edge of the box.
Skipper Robbie Keane was unable to hit the target after spinning smartly to connect with Dunne's header down from an 11th-minute Duff corner and, as Folan caused panic in the heart of the Bulgaria defence, the signs were good for the Irish.