Hapoel Be'er Sheva Faces Dinamo Zagreb in Europa League Opener Amidst Squad Challenges

Hapoel Be'er Sheva is set to begin their Europa League campaign tonight against Dinamo Zagreb in what they consider a 'home' game, following a return to winning ways in the domestic league. Players expressed excitement and a strong desire to perform well in the prestigious tournament, emphasizing the hard work invested to reach this stage. "We worked hard for this and want to achieve good results in this prestigious competition," stated the players. The team will face significant squad limitations due to suspensions and injuries. Djibril Diop and Eliel Peretz are suspended, while Lucas Ventura and Itay Rotman are injured. Roey Levi and Yoni Stoyanov are not registered for the match, and Itay Hazut has already transferred to Ashdod. Coach Ran Kochva has utilized significant rotation but is expected to field Giy Mizrahi and Miguel Vitor in defense. Zahy Ahmed, Amir Ganach, and Igor Zlatanovic, who recently returned to the squad, are also in contention for starting spots, as is Hamodi Kanaan. The team's rotation strategy also considers the upcoming league match against Kiryat Shmona before the international break. No further player acquisitions are expected before the transfer window closes today. Roey Levi might be loaned out if he finds a team, while Ayalon Almog is expected to be released and become a free agent, allowing him to sign with another club after today. The projected starting lineup includes Ofir Marciano in goal, a defense of Giy Mizrahi, Miguel Vitor, Idan Nachmias, and Pedro Amador, a midfield of Niv Yehoshua and Amankwaa Forson (or Hamodi Kanaan), and an attacking trio of Zahy Ahmed, Amir Ganach, and Javan East, with Igor Zlatanovic leading the line.