The Portuguese from Amiens beat the promoted Calais Beau Marais (2-1), on Sunday, at their home ground, the Louis Michelet Stadium, on the occasion of the first day of the Regional League 1.
Against the Calaisians, who were playing their first match in the first round, the Samaritans took control of the game from the first quarter of an hour. While the team was looking for space on the wings, Cobili opened the scoring with a long-range shot (1-0, min. 29). Dominating, they had to wait until the middle of the second half for the break. After a cross inside the penalty area, Calais defender Melis put the ball into his own net (min. 64, 2-0).
Worries in the last quarter of an hour
But in the last quarter of an hour, the exhaustion of Picard's team was evident, as about ten players were deprived of playing in this first official match. Amini took advantage of the opportunity to penetrate the Samurai defence and reduce the difference (83, 2-1). The northern team came close to equalising when Diaw broke from deep and fired a chipped ball that missed the goal by a few centimetres (90 + 2).
“ We played a solid game even if we collapsed physically in the last quarter of an hour. We were not rough in the game and rarely faced difficulties. Despite the difficult preparations, we are confident. Benoit Stourbois, Amiens coach, was suspended on Sunday due to the accumulation of yellow cards last season. He will return to the bench the following day during the trip to Cambrai, Sunday 1 September.
Amiens Portugal – Calais Beau Marais: 2-1 (1-0)
Goals – Amiens FC: Cubillo (29), Melis (64, CSC); Calais: Amini (83)
