Sakhnin Seeks First Win Amid Tactical Shifts

Bnei Sakhnin is set to host Hapoel Ramat Gan on Saturday, aiming for their first victory of the 2026/27 season. Coach Yossi Abukasis is reportedly considering a departure from his signature formation due to the team's struggles.

Defender Amit Karadi, who was injured against Hapoel Haifa, has returned to training but may lose his starting spot to Iyad Abu Abed. Leroy Owusu is training with the squad but is expected to start on the bench.

Training sessions suggest Abukasis might deploy a four-man defense, with Maron Gantos playing right-back and Ahmed Salman, who previously played there, returning to his natural left-wing position. The midfield, currently featuring only Modestas Vorobjovas, is deemed insufficient, leading to the expected inclusion of home-grown player Ahmed Taha alongside him.

New signing Itamar Shviro is anticipated to come off the bench. Basile Huri has been practicing as a striker in the absence of the injured Romanian forward Daniel Parskyv.

A Sakhnin spokesperson stated, "If we don't start winning, the league will slip away. There are no more excuses; we have a good and deep squad. The fans deserve to see a win against a newly promoted team at home."

The projected lineup includes Raul Barbeiro; Maron Gantos, Iyad Abu Abed, Ori Dahan, Sana Gomes; Ahmed Taha, Modestas Vorobjovas, Antonio Sefer; Matthew Kodjo, Ahmed Salman, and Basile Huri.