Baptism of fire for Orapa in Algeria
Staff Writer | Thursday November 28, 2024 15:18
The Ostriches are first-timers in the group stages and did not get the best welcome in Algiers as the home side ran riot on match Day One. Ismail Belkacemi scored twice before Saadi Raouani and Wale Alli ensured the host were well and truly out of sight by the half-time break as the former champions raced to a 4-0 lead. Further goals from Nabil Lamara and Islam Mrili compounded Orapa's misery in the second half to complete the 6-0 rout. Orapa will have to quickly regroup as they face another tough opponent in ASEC Mimosa in Francistown on December 8. ASEC beat Senegalese side Jaraaf 2-0 in the other Group C match. The results see USMA Alger take early charge of the group, with ASEC second, whilst Orapa anchor the standings.