Hapoel Haifa Secures Dramatic Late Victory Over Maccabi Petah Tikva

Hapoel Haifa achieved a significant 2-1 victory against Maccabi Petah Tikva on Saturday, following the international break. The win temporarily moved them to fifth place in the Israeli Premier League standings with nine points from a possible eighteen. The team initially took the lead through Alon Turgeman, but Maccabi Petah Tikva equalized after a VAR review controversially disallowed a goal by substitute Itay Zafrani in the 84th minute. Club officials expressed frustration, stating, "Justice was done," and calling the disallowed goal "very strange" and a "bad decision," adding that VAR was "very lucky that justice was done in other ways."

In dramatic fashion, Sali Fahima scored in stoppage time to secure the win for Hapoel Haifa and coach Haim Silvas. Team owner Yoav Katz expressed relief that the three-week break did not lead to complacency, telling Sport Channel, "I was very, very worried that a return from a three-week break would put us to sleep, I'm glad that didn't happen." He added that the team needs to improve to reach its goal of the upper playoff, stating, "The goal is to reach the upper playoff and there is a team that can do it." He hopes to see continued effort and hard work from the players amidst strong competition.

Hapoel Haifa is preparing to host Hapoel Ramat Gan in their next match and is working to get injured players William Agada and Tal Naeem, who missed Saturday's game, ready. Defender Ariel Mendi delivered another strong performance despite a recent calf strain that had put his participation in doubt. Compliments were also given to Fahima and Zafrani for their impactful substitute appearances.

Following the victory, Hapoel Haifa hosted Oren Agmon, the father of fallen soldier Sergeant Adam Agmon, who was killed on October 7th. "My Adam was also a footballer, what distinguished him was not giving up until the last minute, and that's what happened today," said the grieving father, visibly moved. "You have no idea how important and exciting it is for me to be here, these are the hours I breathe a little with Adam, that I remember him, that it's part of me. You allow me to continue living."