MS Ashdod Takes League Lead After Dramatic 3-2 Win

MS Ashdod surged to the top of the National League standings after securing a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Hapoel Rishon LeZion on Thursday. The win, Ashdod's fifth in a row, came after rivals Bnei Yehuda dropped points in a 1-1 draw with Maccabi Herzliya.

Ashdod trailed twice in the match, with Rishon LeZion scoring through Ezekiel Henty and Ronen Peretz. However, Abena'ezer M'Mata equalized for Ashdod on both occasions. Substitute Shavit M'Zal scored the winning goal in stoppage time, securing a crucial three points for his team.

In other matches, Maccabi Kiryat Gat secured their first win since the opening round, defeating Hapoel Ra'anana 1-0. Hapoel Afula and Hapoel Kfar Shalem played to a thrilling 3-3 draw, marking Kfar Shalem's second consecutive draw. Maccabi Bnei Raina continued their strong form with a 2-0 victory over Maccabi Jaffa, while MS Kfar Qasem earned their first league win against Hapoel Kfar Saba, 4-2, with Julio Cesar scoring twice. MS Kiryat Yam defeated Ironi Modi'in 3-2, and Maccabi Ahi Nazareth secured a 1-0 win over Hapoel Acre, who remains at the bottom of the table without a point or a goal.

The league will continue next Thursday with the seventh round of matches.