Shua Assists Twice as Beitar Jerusalem Draws 2-2 in Season Opener

Beitar Jerusalem kicked off their 2026/27 season with a 2-2 draw against Bulgarian side Botev Vratsa in a lively friendly match on July 3. The game marked the unofficial coaching debut of Almog Cohen and featured the unofficial debuts of players Daniel Vorko and Noam Motzhe. Beitar took an early lead in the seventh minute when Yarden Shua intercepted the ball and set up Timothy Muzi for a goal. Muzi, starting in the lineup, created several early chances. Despite this, Beitar missed the presence of Luka Gadrani, who was absent for the match.

Botev Vratsa equalized twice, scoring in the 14th and 27th minutes following a foul inside the box by young left-back Amit Hilo. Shortly after, Beitar’s new signing Eugene Ansa scored his first goal for the club, assisted by Shua, leveling the score at 2-2, which remained until the final whistle. Substitutes like Yarden Vorko and Ilai Hajaj showed promise during their unofficial debuts.

Looking ahead, Beitar Jerusalem will face Arda in another friendly later this week before playing Hapoel Tel Aviv in a European competition match on July 18. Their first official 2026/27 Conference League qualifying match is scheduled for July 23 against AEK Larnaca in Cyprus.

The starting lineup for the first half included Miguel Silva, Roy Elimelech, Brian Kravli, Uri Dahan, Amit Hilo, Ziv Ben Shimol, Boris Ino, Noam Motzhe, Timothy Muzi, Eugene Ansa, and Yarden Shua. The second half saw Yoni Ozer, Roy Elimelech, Liel Deri, Gil Cohen, Yarden Cohen, Nadav Markovitz, Ailson Tabarsh, Yarden Vorko, Ilai Hajaj, Jonbusco Kalu, and Yarden Shua take the field.