Peretz Goal Gives Hapoel Be'er Sheva Lead Over Hapoel Haifa

Hapoel Be'er Sheva took a 1-0 lead against Hapoel Haifa at Turner Stadium on Wednesday evening, thanks to a goal from Peretz in the 24th minute. The home team, managed by Ran Kochva, aimed to secure three points and appease their fans after a recent home loss, following a dramatic win in their previous match.

Be'er Sheva played without the injured Igor Zlatanovic and Adrian Ogrisse, while Javan East returned to the starting lineup on the right wing. Amir Ganach started on the left, with young Amit Ouhana leading the attack. In central defense, Kochva opted for Miguel Vitor over Djibril Diop, with Idan Nahmias on the bench.

Hapoel Haifa entered the game after a goalless draw against Hapoel Tel Aviv. Ivan Krstajic was suspended, and George Diba replaced him. Shi Elias started against his former team, and Wahib Habiballah was preferred over Yead Gonen. Haifa had a recent 4-0 victory over Be'er Sheva in the Toto Cup, but had not beaten them in the league in their last six encounters, nor away since March 2011.

The match began at a high tempo. Early chances included a blocked cross from East and a free-kick saved by the wall. Peretz hit the crossbar in the 17th minute before scoring the opening goal six minutes later with a curling shot into the bottom corner. Be'er Sheva continued to press, with East forcing a save from the Haifa goalkeeper in the 36th minute, and another opportunity lost by Yehoshua just before halftime.