Hapoel Tel Aviv Celebrates Victory Amidst Coach's Frustration with Substitutes

Hapoel Tel Aviv returned from the break with a resounding 3-1 victory over Ironi Kiryat Shmona in Netanya, placing them just three points behind Maccabi Tel Aviv at the top of the Premier League. Douglas Owusu opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a spectacular goal, and Emmanuel Boateng (54th minute) and Omri Altman (58th minute) sealed the win in the second half. Amadou Saganah scored a consolation penalty for the hosts in stoppage time.

Despite the celebratory atmosphere, coach Eliniv Barda expressed significant disappointment with his substitutes. Barda made four attacking substitutions in the final half-hour, bringing on Stav Turiel, Daniel Dapa, Mor Buskila, and Roy Korin. "The substitutions did not help us to completely kill this game," Barda stated. "They (the substitutes) did not enter the game well enough as I expect. I want the team's interest to be before the personal one, and today I felt everyone wanted to score alone. We abandoned some of our principles after the 0-3 lead."

On the other hand, the club praised several players, including Owusu for his "huge goal," goalkeeper Assaf Tzur, and Omri Altman. Over 8,000 Hapoel Tel Aviv fans accompanied the team to the match in Netanya. The team is set to play against Ironi Tiberias at Bloomfield Stadium next Saturday, aiming to continue their momentum.

Following six games, Hapoel Tel Aviv now boasts the league's best defense, having conceded only five goals, with four of those coming in the derby match. Doron Leidner, who started the season well, has seen his playing time reduced after a weak performance in the derby and was not included in the squad for this match. Adrian Cruyff, who was expected to start, felt unwell and was removed from the squad, but is expected to return for the Tiberias game.