Hapoel Haifa Faces Pressure After Losses, Welcomes Back Midfielder Keita
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Hapoel Haifa faces mounting pressure after two straight losses, with coach Haim Silvas planning tactical changes and the return of midfielder Cheikh Keita for Saturday's crucial game against Hapoel Petah Tikva. The team's lead over the relegation zone has shrunk to six points. Forward William Agada remains sidelined due to injury, while Keita has also been called up to the Mali U-23 national team.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Hapoel Haifa faces pressure after two losses, with the gap to relegation zone narrowing to six points.
- Coach Haim Silvas is expected to revert to a four-man defense against Hapoel Petah Tikva.
- Midfielder Cheikh Keita returns to the Hapoel Haifa lineup after a suspension.
- Forward William Agada is still recovering from injury and will miss the upcoming match.
- Cheikh Keita was called up to the Mali U-23 national team for Olympic qualifiers.
Hapoel Haifa is facing increased pressure following two consecutive losses, prompting coach Haim Silvas to consider tactical changes for their upcoming match against Hapoel Petah Tikva. The team's recent form, including a heavy 6-2 defeat to Maccabi Tel Aviv and a disappointing home loss to Hapoel Ramat Gan, has narrowed the gap to the relegation zone to just six points, making Saturday's game crucial.
Silvas is expected to revert to a four-man defense, abandoning the three-center-back system that proved ineffective in their last outing. A significant boost for the team is the return of midfielder Cheikh Keita, who was suspended for the Maccabi Tel Aviv game. His absence was keenly felt in the midfield, and his return is anticipated to strengthen the team's central play.
Keita has also received a call-up to the Mali U-23 national team for two Olympic qualifying matches against Zimbabwe in November, in preparation for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Meanwhile, forward William Agada, who has returned to full training, is still recovering from his injury and is not expected to be available for the Hapoel Petah Tikva match, with his return likely postponed to the following round.
The projected starting lineup includes Yoav Jerafi in goal, a defense of Noam Cohen, Dario Zuaparić, Ivan Kritzak, and Ariel Mendy, with Naoor Sabag, Cheikh Keita, and Shay Elias in midfield. The attacking trio is expected to be Yad Gonen, Alon Turgeman, and Liran Rotman.
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