Maccabi Petah Tikva Secures Second Consecutive Win with 2-1 Comeback at Bnei Sakhnin

Maccabi Petah Tikva, the newly promoted team, continued their perfect start to the Israeli Premier League season by defeating Bnei Sakhnin 2-1 away on August 29, 2026. This victory marked their first win in Sakhnin since January 2019 and the first time in six years that Maccabi Petah Tikva began a season with six points from two matches.

The match began dramatically with Ilai Hajaj scoring for Sakhnin in the first minute after a quick cross from Ahmad Salman. Despite this early setback, Maccabi Petah Tikva, coached by Ziv Arie, managed to equalize just before halftime. A defensive error by Sakhnin’s Dimitri Kabara allowed Samuel Owusu to score in the 45+1 minute, leveling the score.

In the second half, Liran Hazan scored the winning goal in the 57th minute, completing the comeback. Sakhnin had a significant chance to extend their lead in the 42nd minute when Mustafa Shay Youssef’s shot hit the post, but they were unable to capitalize. Sakhnin remains with only one point after two league games.

Maccabi Petah Tikva had won their previous match 2-1 against Ironi Kiryat Shmona, replicating the same scoreline and demonstrating strong form early in the season. The game was played at Sakhnin’s home ground under the management of Yossi Abuksis. The win highlights Maccabi Petah Tikva’s quick adaptation to the top division after promotion.