| Fadhil Yunus |
UITM FC new signing Adi Said bagged a historic brace in the 3-1 win over PDRM FA in his league debut as he enjoyed a blistering start to life in the Malaysia Premier League at the Selayang Municipal Council Stadium yesterday.
The national forward made a dream start in his new colours after guiding his side to the lead with his first touch of the game in what was one of the fastest goals in the history of the competition before adding a second in the 36th minute.
All eyes were firmly on the former DPMM FC forward before history was made on two counts as the first-ever Brunei-born player to make a league appearance and score in a competitive fixture for a foreign club.
The hosts were dispossessed as UiTM import Robert Mendy blitzed into the box and found the Brunei attacker who coolly slotted a low effort with the game less than a minute old.
PDRM made an immediate effort to get back into the contest after Fakhrul Aiman sent a teasing ball into the middle but his teammate’s sliding legs could not meet the required touch.
The Cops sent a signal of intent as Andrezinho hit a decent effort straight to the UiTM goalkeeper just moments later.
The Lion Troops kept out an attempt from close range by Benjamin Redzovic after latching on a dangerous cross from his countryman Argzim Redzovic.
With the hosts seemingly controlling the tempo of the game, UiTM launched a devastating counterattack orchestrated by Amer in the circle before Adi completed the move with a cool finish as Robert Mendy credited for another assist.
Adi nearly grabbed a hat-trick in the first half but was denied by PDRM goalkeeper Will from close range before his subsequent header flashed wide.
UiTM enjoyed good play on the flanks with Afif Asyraf and Rafie combining which led to a loose ball on a promising position but Azriddin skied his effort wide.
Robert Mendy skipped his marker before releasing his shot but Will was equal to the task.
The visitors made the game safe after Adi’s strike partner Robert Mendy unleashed a screamer from outside the box after cutting inside a PDRM defender.
UiTM substitute Nur Areff Kamaruddin forced the goalkeeper into a smart save after receiving a pass from Adi who came close to register his first assist.
PDRM were awarded a penalty in injury time after a UiTM player who attempted an acrobatic clearance saw the ball land into his arms as Lee Chang-hoon netted a consolation.