Fadhil Yunus
Brunei Darussalam’s player Faiq Jefri Bolkiah completed a full match for Chonburi FC during a 2-1 defeat to BEC Tero Sasana in the Hilux Revo Thai League 1 at the Chonburi Stadium in Thailand last weekend.
The national winger was named in the starting line-up for the second time in his sixth league appearance for Chonburi FC since his move at the end of last year.
Faiq, who missed out on Chonburi’s Thai League Cup win over Muang Loei United last Wednesday, took his position on the wing opposite of team captain Kroekit Thaweekarn and formed a front three which included main striker Yoo Byung-soo.
The most high-profiled Bruneian footballing export garnered attention of team manager Sasom Pobprasert following his impressive form when he turned out as a substitute during the previous match against Chiangrai United.
During a cameo role in the match, Faiq nearly opened his account for his new side after hitting the post much owed to his burst of pace and dribbling ability.
The 23-year-old attempted to register a third assist in his career when he passed the ball to the on-rushing Kritsada Kaman but the forward’s first-time shot was saved by Chiangrai goalkeeper Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakool.
The visitors grabbed the lead through Yodsak Chaowana whose effort was initially chalked off in suspicion of offside. However, the referee awarded the goal following a video assistant referee (VAR) review.
The hosts drew level through Gidi Kanyuk’s free-kick but Arthit Boodjinda – who spent time with Chonburi on loan in 2019 – came back to haunt his old side with the winner in injury time.
The Sharks, who were second at the start of the month, slipped to fourth in the table after a second successive league defeat coupled with rivals BG Pathum’s victory over Chiangrai United.
Faiq and his teammates will look to bounce back in their next league clash against Suphanburi on February 20.
Meanwhile, former DPMM FC defender Charlie Clough saw his current side Nakhon Ratchasima FC falter to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Khon Kaen United in his return to the side since serving a suspension for his sending-off against Prachuap.
Clough and his team will meet cup giant-killers Uthai Thani next in the quarterfinals of the Thai FA Cup at the Uthai Thani Province Stadium tomorrow.
