Israeli Handball Semifinals Set for Weekend Showdown

The first handball titles of the 2026-27 season in Israel will be decided this weekend as the semifinals of the Athena Cup and Winner Cup commence. Two matches will be broadcast live on the Sports Channel website on Thursday evening.

At 6:00 PM, Maccabi Ha'Arzim Ramat Gan will face Bnot Eiko Herzliya in the women's first semifinal. Herzliya, the reigning treble winner, has a slightly altered roster from last season, with key players Shir Vekeret and Liran Zaguri having moved to other clubs. Ramat Gan has largely maintained its squad but lost captain Shir Gevza and corner player Keren Teplitzky, with Jasni Clementina from Mongolia set to fill the right corner position. Nigeria national team goalkeeper Kahinde Titilola will share duties for Ramat Gan. The rivalry between these two teams is notable, having met in all finals last season, and their semifinal clash this year is seen as a statement of intent for the remainder of the season.

Following the women's game, at 8:00 PM, Maccabi Holon and Maccabi Rishon LeZion will compete in the men's semifinal. Holon has had a strong start to the season with five consecutive wins across all competitions. Rishon LeZion has also enjoyed a successful start, advancing in European competition and securing two wins in the Winner Cup. The winners of the finals will receive a NIS 10,000 prize and a spot in a European competition next season.

In the other women's semifinal, Maccabi Ironi Holon will play against Hapoel Ashdod. The men's second semifinal will feature AS Ramat HaSharon against Maccabi Tel Aviv.