What does the cryptic crossword clue "Players needing drink before start of match (4)" mean?

The definition is "Players". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). TEA (abbreviation="drink") + M (first_letter="match") = TEAM; definition: "Players" The answer is TEAM.

Players needing drink before start of match (4)

Times Cryptic #28916 | 10 Across | 2024-05-14 flower

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