Hapoel Katamon Jerusalem and Maccabi Tel Aviv Advance to Athena Cup Semifinals

The second round of the Athena Cup in Israeli women's football concluded on August 26, 2026, with Hapoel Katamon Jerusalem and Maccabi Tel Aviv securing their spots in the semifinals. Hapoel Katamon dominated Maccabi Holon 3-0, with goals from Michaela Varko, Ella Ben Tzvi, and Zhailey, earning six points from two matches. Meanwhile, Maccabi Tel Aviv edged out Hapoel Ra'anana 1-0 thanks to a goal by Eilat Cohen, also securing six points and a semifinal berth.

Maccabi Kishronot Hadera achieved their first win of the season by defeating Bnot Netanya 2-1. Ashley Martinez scored early for Netanya, but Maya Cabrera and Fernanda Aria turned the game around for Hadera. Both Hadera and Holon have three points and will face off in the final group match to decide who advances to the semifinals.

In another match, Hapoel Tel Aviv beat M.S. Kiryat Gat 2-0 with a brace from Eden Avital, marking their first victory of the season and putting them level with Kiryat Gat at three points. The two teams will compete in the last group stage game for a semifinal spot. The group standings and tiebreakers were clarified, with Maccabi Tel Aviv's higher league finish last season ensuring their advancement even in a three-way tie scenario.

The upcoming decisive matches include Hadera versus Holon and Hapoel Tel Aviv against Kiryat Gat, which will determine the final semifinalists in this year's Athena Cup.