Schedule includes match in Alabama? (5,5)

I believe the answer is:

slave state

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'alabama?' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both locations as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

'schedule includes match' is the wordplay.
'schedule' becomes 'slate' (as in a film slated for release).
'includes' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'match' becomes 'vesta' (type of historical wooden match).
'slate' going around 'vesta' is 'SLAVE STATE'.

'in' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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