Hapoel Jerusalem Downs Maccabi Petah Tikva 4-2 in High-Scoring Match

Hapoel Jerusalem secured a dramatic 4-2 victory over Maccabi Petah Tikva on Saturday, largely thanks to a hat-trick from forward William Owusu Ansah. The match, played at the Moshava Stadium, was a high-scoring affair that saw Jerusalem take a commanding 3-0 lead.

Ansah opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a volley, and Andrew Idah doubled Jerusalem's advantage in the 16th minute. Ansah then capitalized on a goalkeeping error to make it 3-0 in the 34th minute, completing his first career hat-trick.

Maccabi Petah Tikva fought back before halftime, with Liran Hazan assisting Jose Cortes for a goal in the 40th minute. Hazan then scored himself in the 54th minute, narrowing the deficit to 3-2 and raising hopes of a comeback.

However, Ansah sealed the win for Hapoel Jerusalem with his third goal, making it 4-2. Jerusalem managed the remaining minutes effectively, securing the three points before the international break. This win comes after a disappointing draw in the previous round against Tiberias. Following the break, Hapoel Jerusalem will host Maccabi Haifa, while Maccabi Petah Tikva faces their city rivals Hapoel Haifa.