Fadhil Yunus
Brunei Darussalam star Faiq Jefri Bolkiah continued to shine in the Hilux Revo Thai League 1 after creating a third assist for current club Chonburi FC during a 1-1 draw with Chiangmai United at the 700th Anniversary Stadium in Chiangmai, Thailand recently.
The national winger was also named man of the match in recognition of his performance, the second time he achieved the feat since reinvigorating his career in Thailand.
Faiq, who moved to the Thailand top tier during the recent transfer window following a brief stint with Portuguese outfit CS Maritimo, made two key passes and came close to scoring his first goal in each of his three attempts.
The Brunei international was recalled to the starting line-up by manager Sasom Pobprasert for his fourth league start in nine appearances, further continuing his progress in his club career having been involved in every match thus far.
The country’s most-profiled player created space and whipped in a delightful cross into the box before striker Yoo Byung-soo planted a firm header past the home goalkeeper Nont Muangngam.
The 23-year-old appeared to establish a good connection with the South Korean as his first two assists against Nongbua Pitchaya and Khon Kaen United came at the benefit of the same player.
With the Sharks looking for a response after going a goal down, Faiq asserted his influence as his cross to Yoo Byung-soo, which just missed the target, nearly yielded another assist.
Two minutes after the break, Faiq received a pass from a teammate before sending an inch-perfect cross into the box as Yoo Byung-soo completed the move with a perfect header.
Five minutes later, Faiq was on the move again and made a decent effort from outside the box which rolled wide off the near post.
The Bruneian, who was also in the books of Leicester City, came close to opening his account and a potential match-winning goal but his shot was stopped by Nont Muangngam.
Faiq was heavily involved in most of Chonburi’s attacking endeavours as another cross in the 67th minute saw Yoo Byung-soo’s header land in the arms of Nont Muangnam.
In the 77th minute, Faiq dribbled past his marker before sending another cross into the box but Chiangmai captain Sirisak Faidong cleared the ball in the nick of time before Byung-soo could apply a potentially decisive touch.
The Bruneian could be in contention to retain his place in the starting line-up during his team’s visit to runaway league leaders Buriram United at the Chang Arena on Wednesday.
