Africa-Press – Botswana. Orapa United played to a goalless draw with Ivory Coast giants ASEC Mimosas in an evenly matched CAF Confederation Cup encounter this afternoon at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown.
Both teams started strongly, trading attacks during a thrilling first half, but neither could find the back of the net.
Orapa United’s coach Gadimang Tiiso introduced Nyembo Azende for Tshepo Malgas early in the second half, a substitution which was aimed at injecting fresh impetus into the home side’s attack.
Azende’s arrival sparked some renewed attacking intent from Orapa United, but the ASEC Mimosas defence remained resolute.
Despite the Ostrich’s improved attacking play, Mimosas maintained a significant share of possession and continued to threaten.
Ange Dago Nadrey unleashed a powerful shot that sailed just over the bar and Seydou Sacko also had a chance which met a similar fate.
Orapa United’s Oarabile Sekwai was penalized for an alleged foul while in a promising position inside the Mimosas box, a decision that frustrated many of the Ostriches supporters who felt that Sekwai was on the verge of scoring.
The missed opportunity was compounded by Eric Ookame’s inexplicable pass to a Mimosas player, a moment of individual error that infuriated the home crowd and led to calls for his substitution.
Tiiso responded to the pressure, replacing Sekwai with Kamara Ballie.
Later, the referee, Abdou Mafire cautioned Gofaone Mabaya for a foul that prevented a Mimosas attacker from breaking through.
The match ultimately concluded in a draw, leaving both teams with mixed feelings about the outcome.
While ASEC Mimosas controlled possession, Orapa United showed moments of attacking promise, only to be hampered by individual errors.
Even though both coaches accepted the draw, it was a bitter pill for Orapa United, who conceded six goals in their first group stage match and desperately needed a home victory to revive their campaign.
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