Match Report : Struggling Flames Scrape Through

It was F&F's first competitive match after 3 months since their last match against Phlamze in the Division 1. There were 3 debutants for F&F but only Charles Essien being given the nod to start alongside NadeemStone and Mid Totti.

F&F started the match brightly when Eskandar Macheda scored an early goal to pressure Spirulina's players. NadeemStone did not play well at his new position but managed to released a killer pass for Boynaldo whose shot was blocked by a defender. Spirulina held their heads up by playing an attacking football. Their attacking play was rewarded when Boynaldo fouled their player. F&F players were stunned after seeing the free kick from long distance ended up in the goal.

In the second half, Zul "TakotLipas" played at left back with Faruk "AutoPilot" came on for Shah "Boboy" to partner with Acap Brown at the heart of the defend. F&F continue to find the second goal but everything had to change because Zul "TakotLipas" was given his marching order after ref judged him for kicking an opponent during a corner kick for F&F. He was furious with that decision because he did not touch anyone at all. Spirulina players were not complaining anything about Zul "TakotLipas" kicking any of their players.

With that decision, Zul Rossi had to play on the left back, disappointing display by NadeemStone and Boynaldo were substituted by Sohaib Karembeu and Atoy "Pinky". A free kick from Mid Totti found Eskandar Macheda's head to score his second goal of the match. Spirulina pegged F&F immediately from a free kick which left F&F's back four sleeping and one of Spirulina's player managed to beat the offside trap to score the equaliser. 2 new signings , Affan and Hairi were given their debut and Affan playing up front with Eskandar Macheda nearly scored the winner when he was one on one with the goalie but the goalie managed to parry his shot out for a corner kick.

The full time ended with a stalemate and penalty shoot out was needed to decide the winner. Zul Rossi for the first time in a competitive match play in goal. Although Mid Totti missed the penalty, F&F's players was happy to see one of Spirulina penalty taker missed the kick. In the end it was sudden death penalty taken by Sohaib Karembeu and proved vital for F&F as he scored from the spot. F&F will face rival, Phlamze in the second round after they won 3-1 against Bakala.