Hapoel Be'er Sheva Eyes Champions League Comeback Despite Iceland Loss and Kangwa Transfer Talks

Hapoel Be'er Sheva began their UEFA Champions League qualifiers with a disappointing 2-1 away loss to Icelandic side Vikingur Reykjavik on Tuesday. Despite the setback, the Israeli champions remain optimistic about overturning the deficit in next Tuesday's return leg in Hungary, aiming for a victory by at least two goals to advance to the third qualifying round. The match marked Be'er Sheva's fourth consecutive defeat in official games, following losses to Maccabi Haifa, Maccabi Tel Aviv, and in the Israeli Super Cup.

The team struggled to impose their usual style on the small Reykjavik pitch, and defensive frailties were again evident. Coach Ran Kozuch made several lineup changes, including a surprising decision to start new signing Niv Yehoshua over Eliel Peretz in midfield, possibly due to Peretz's poor attitude after being substituted in the recent Super Cup match. Yehoshua was one of the few positives, winning the ball that led to Kangwa's equalizer and scoring a goal later disallowed by VAR for a marginal offside.

A major storyline before the game was the future of star player Kings Kangwa, who was under intense pressure from Greek champions AEK Athens to transfer for four million euros. Be'er Sheva insisted Kangwa play in both qualifier matches before any deal, while AEK preferred he not participate to preserve his fitness for their own Champions League playoff. Owner Alona Barkat stood firm on keeping Kangwa for the qualifiers, praising his professionalism. Kangwa scored Be'er Sheva's only goal and was substituted late due to a yellow card. Despite the ongoing transfer interest, the club and player believe AEK remains eager to sign him, though possibly for less than the initial agreed fee if he plays against Vikingur. The upcoming second leg may be Kangwa's last game for Be'er Sheva.

The match also saw defender Itay Rotman make his debut as a substitute, and youth striker Amit Ohana also featured off the bench, indicating plans to integrate them into the squad next season. Be'er Sheva hopes to recover in the return leg and progress to face Red Star Belgrade, who defeated Larne 4-0 in their qualifier. If eliminated, Be'er Sheva will drop to the Europa League qualifiers against the loser of Dinamo Zagreb and Thun. The club recognizes the need to strengthen the squad, seeking reinforcements including a replacement for Kangwa, a center-back, and a foreign left-back.