Hapoel Jerusalem Celebrates First Win After Comeback Victory

Hapoel Jerusalem secured their first win of the season with a dramatic 4-2 comeback victory over Hapoel Kiryat Shmona on Saturday. The team trailed 1-0 at halftime, with club officials describing their first-half performance as "very poor, weak, and scattered," citing turnovers, defensive and offensive misfocus, and an unnecessary goal conceded.

Following tactical adjustments made by coach Lior Asaf during the break, Hapoel Jerusalem dominated the second half. They controlled the attacking third, stifled Kiryat Shmona's counterattacks, and converted their dominance into shots on goal. Despite a momentary lapse in concentration and conceding a goal shortly after equalizing, the team maintained pressure and secured the win.

Players celebrated in the locker room, crediting coach Asaf's tactical instructions and calming influence for the turnaround. "He emphasized what we did wrong, calmed everyone down, and told us not to lose our heads," a player noted. The coaching staff praised forward Andro Idouko, who scored a brace and significantly improved his performance after a subpar first half, calling him the "man of the match."

Substitutes Omer Abohav and Sunny Abdulsalam were also commended for their impactful contributions off the bench, helping to shift the momentum and increase pressure on the opponent. In other club news, Zambian winger Edward Chilufya, 26, has signed with Hapoel Jerusalem and is expected to be officially presented soon.