Hapoel Haifa Faces Pressure After Losses, Welcomes Back Midfielder Keita
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Hapoel Haifa faces mounting pressure after two straight losses, narrowing their lead over the relegation zone to six points. Coach Haim Silvas plans to revert to a four-man defense and welcomes back key midfielder Cheikh Keita for Saturday's crucial match against Hapoel Petah Tikva. Striker William Agada remains sidelined due to injury, with his return expected next week.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Hapoel Haifa faces pressure after two losses, with the gap to the relegation zone now six points.
- Midfielder Cheikh Keita returns for Hapoel Haifa's crucial match against Hapoel Petah Tikva.
- Coach Haim Silvas is expected to switch back to a four-man defense.
- Striker William Agada is still recovering from injury and will miss the next match.
- Cheikh Keita was called up to the Mali U-23 national team for Olympic qualifiers.
Hapoel Haifa is looking to rebound after two consecutive losses, with coach Haim Silvas planning a return to a four-man defense for their upcoming match against Hapoel Petah Tikva. The team's recent defeats, including a heavy 6-2 loss to Maccabi Tel Aviv and a disappointing home loss to Hapoel Rishon LeZion, have raised concerns as their lead over the relegation zone has shrunk to just six points. The crucial game against Hapoel Petah Tikva, scheduled for Saturday at 5:30 PM, has gained significant importance.
Coach Silvas is expected to abandon the three-defender system that struggled in their last game and revert to a back four. A significant boost for the team is the return of midfielder Cheikh Keita, who was suspended for the match against Maccabi Tel Aviv and whose absence was keenly felt in the midfield. Keita has also been called up to Mali's U-23 national team for two Olympic qualifying matches against Zimbabwe in November.
Meanwhile, striker William Agada, who has returned to full training this week, is not yet fully recovered from his injury. His return to the squad is now anticipated for the following matchday. The likely starting lineup includes Yoav Jerafi in goal, a defense of Noam Cohen, Dario Župarić, Ivan Krstić, and Ariel Mendy, with midfielders Naor Segev, Cheikh Keita, and Shay Elias. The attacking trio is expected to be Yad Gonen, Alon Turgeman, and Liran Rotman.
Mentioned
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Coverage from Mako
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
