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, has returned to training but may be replaced by Iyad Abu Abed. Leroy Owusu is training with the squad but is expected to start from the bench.

Training sessions indicate 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 Modestos Vorobeyevs, is deemed insufficient, leading to the expected inclusion of home-grown player Ahmed Taha alongside him. Ilai Hajjaj was not part of the drills.

New signing Itamar Shviro, acquired from Ironi Tiberias, is anticipated to come on as a substitute. Basile Huri trained as a forward in the absence of injured Romanian striker Daniel Parsky. A club 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 starting lineup includes Raul Barbero; Maron Gantos, Iyad Abu Abed, Ori Dahan, Sanna Gomes; Ahmed Taha, Modestos Vorobeyevs, Antonio Sefer; Matthew Kodjo, Ahmed Salman, and Basile Huri.