Hapoel Haifa Mounts Comeback in Training Match Thriller

During the international break, Hapoel Tel Aviv and Hapoel Haifa played an unusual training match in Bat Yam, which saw Hapoel Haifa secure a 4-3 victory after initially leading 4-0. The match began with Hapoel Haifa dominating, scoring four goals by the 59th minute, with goals from Sali Pahima in the 3rd minute, Alon Tourgeman via penalty before halftime, Noam Cohen in the 53rd minute, and Shikana Diaquita in the 59th minute. Hapoel Tel Aviv, managed by Eliniv Barda, staged a comeback in the second half. Anas Mahamid scored from a penalty in the 63rd minute after Omri Altman converted another penalty for their first goal. Mahamid then scored again in the 73rd minute after missing his initial penalty, and Chico added a third goal in the 84th minute, bringing the score to 4-3. In the final minutes, Hapoel Tel Aviv came close to equalizing, with Shahar Piven hitting the post in the 89th minute and Mahamid's shot being saved by goalkeeper Matan Ambar. Several players were absent from both teams due to national team duty or injuries. Hapoel Tel Aviv was missing all its national team players, while Hapoel Haifa was without William Agada due to injury, Ariel Mendi who was rested, and Keita who played for Mali's U23 team.