Hapoel Haifa Stages Remarkable Comeback Against Hapoel Tel Aviv

During the international break, Hapoel Tel Aviv and Hapoel Haifa played an unusual training match in Bat Yam, which saw Hapoel Haifa take a commanding 4-0 lead by the 59th minute. However, Hapoel Tel Aviv mounted a significant comeback, narrowing the deficit to 4-3 before the final whistle.

Hapoel Haifa's scoring began in the 3rd minute with a goal from Sali Fahima, assisted by Liran Rotman. Alon Turgeman extended the lead to 2-0 with a penalty just before halftime. The second half saw Hapoel Haifa continue their dominance, with Noam Cohen scoring in the 53rd minute and Chikana Diakite adding a fourth goal in the 59th minute.

Hapoel Tel Aviv's resurgence started with a penalty converted by Omri Altman after Anas Mahamid was fouled in the box. Mahamid then scored from the rebound after missing his own penalty attempt in the 73rd minute, making it 4-2. The comeback continued in the 84th minute when Chikana, following a corner from Yonatan Farber, headed the ball into the net, bringing the score to 4-3.

In the closing moments, Hapoel Tel Aviv came close to an equalizer, hitting the post through Shahar Piven and forcing a save from goalkeeper Matan Ambar on a shot by Mahamid. Several players were absent from both squads due to national team call-ups or injuries. Hapoel Tel Aviv's lineup included Ben Soronsen, Marcus Coco, and Emmanuel Boateng, while Hapoel Haifa's featured Yoav Zrahi, Ivan Kritzak, and Alon Turgeman.