OSTRICH DINNER Orapa Utd crushed 6-0 by Algeria’s USM Alger in continental championship
It must be one of the heaviest defeats Orapa United suffered in a football match – and the most humiliating. They lost 6-0 to USM Alger in one of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup matches that made up Match Day 01 of the group stages this Thursday.
The match which was played in Algiers, Algeria, was a real baptism of fire for the Ostriches who were making their first appearance at the group stages of a CAF continental tournament.
An early brace by Ismail Belkacemi as well as a goal apiece by Saadi Raouani and Wale Alli put the Algerians four goals clear ahead of the break.
The gap was further extended in the second half with Nabil Lamara getting the fifth immediately from the restart, before Islam Mrili’s 71st strike secured the commanding win for the former champions.
Other matches in the northern part of the continent were hosted by defending champions Zamalek SC of Egypt, while RS Berkane of Morocco also played their opening match at home.
Two time champions, Zamalek SC continued their title defence with a comfortable 2-0 win over Mozambique’s Black Bulls FC. Two goals by Ahmed Abdelhamid scored in the 45th minute as well as an early second half strike by Nabil Emad were enough to secure a good start to the champions’ Group D campaign.
Champions of the 2021/22 edition, Morocco’s RS Berkane welcomed Club Desportivo de Lunda Sul of Angola to the opener of Group B.
With a strong intention of reclaiming their title, Berkane secured a convincing 2-0-win courtesy of a Issoufou Dayo brace in the 21st and 79th minute of the match that saw the former champions go top of the group.
TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup action continues with Match Day 02 of the group stages on Sunday, 08 December.
