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Ostriches land West, North African opponents

Orapa United's debut CAF Confederations Cup group stage campaign will take them to West and North Africa after the competition's draw was conducted in Cairo on Monday.
Orapa United's debut CAF Confederations Cup group stage campaign will take them to West and North Africa after the competition's draw was conducted in Cairo on Monday.

Orapa United's debut CAF Confederations Cup group stage campaign will take them to West and North Africa after the competition's draw was conducted in Cairo on Monday.

Botswana's representative were drawn in Group C alongside Algeria's USMA Algiers, Asec Mimosa of Cote d'Ivoire and Jaraaf of Senegal. USMA Algiers and Asec Mimosa are seasoned campaigners, but the Ostriches will fancy their chances after seeing Jwaneng Galaxy twice progress to the group stages of the CAF Champions League. Orapa United made it through to the group stages after dumping out Zimbabwean side, Dynamos after a penalty shoot-out. The two-legged tie, in which United effectively enjoyed home advantage, ended 1-1.

Dynamos had to play their games in Botswana as Zimbabwe does not have a CAF approved venue for inter club competitions. Orapa will kick-off their campaign with an away tie to USMA Algiers on November 28, before welcoming ASEC Mimosa at home on December 8. The following weekend, Jaraaf will be the visitors before Orapa flies to Senegal for the return fixture on January 5. On Match Day 5, Orapa will welcome USMA Algiers on January 12 before winding their campaign with an away tie against ASEC Mimosa on January 19.

Editor's Comment
Botswana at a critical juncture

While the political shift brings hope for change, it also places immense pressure on the new administration to deliver on its election promises in the face of serious economic challenges.On another level, newly appointed Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe’s grim assessment of the country’s finances adds urgency to the moment. The budget deficit, expected to be P8.7 billion, is now anticipated to be even higher due to underperforming diamond...

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