Maccabi Rishon LeZion Advances in European Handball Cup

Maccabi Rishon LeZion has advanced to the second round of the European Handball Cup after defeating Flamenco Conversano of Italy 32-25 in the second leg of their tie. The Israeli team secured their progression with a more stable performance in the away game, following a dramatic 34-34 draw in the first leg.

Maccabi Rishon LeZion established an early lead, going up 6-3 in the ninth minute with goals from Nadav Nizri and Eden Ginji. Lidor Passu extended their advantage to 10-7, and despite a late push by Davida Bucheto to narrow the gap, Passu scored to give Rishon LeZion a 15-13 lead at halftime.

The second half saw Rishon LeZion solidify their position, with Noam Sosna and Lidor Passu extending the lead to 18-13 within six minutes of the restart. The team maintained their advantage, leading 23-18 by the 45th minute, and Eden Ginji's goal made it 27-20, bringing them closer to the next stage.

Final goals from Yermi Sidi and Dan Teper sealed the 32-25 victory, advancing Maccabi Rishon LeZion to the next round. They join fellow Israeli teams Maccabi Holon and AS Ramat Hasharon, making them the third Israeli representative in the upcoming stage. The draw for the next round is scheduled for next Tuesday. Top scorers for Rishon LeZion included Yermi Sidi with 10 goals and Lidor Passu with 8. Goalkeeper Dan Teper made 11 saves.