Bnei Sakhnin Coach Yossi Abuksis Plans Major Squad Reinforcements After Toto Cup Loss

Bnei Sakhnin began their Toto Cup group stage campaign with a 2-1 away defeat to Ironi Tiberias on July 25, 2026. Despite leading and controlling much of the first half, Sakhnin conceded two late goals to suffer a comeback loss. The team fielded four new foreign players, Raul Belbrao, Sana Gomes, Norberto Carlos, and Modestas Vorobiovs, with Belbrao receiving praise for his debut performance as goalkeeper despite conceding twice.

Returning players Ahmad Taha and Iyad Abu Abid contributed to Sakhnin's lone goal, with Abu Abid assisting defender Amit Karadi, who made his official debut but was involved in a defensive error leading to the second Tiberias goal. Coach Yossi Abuksis acknowledged the team's fatigue and loss of concentration in critical moments but emphasized the importance of avoiding injuries in this early stage.

Abuksis revealed plans to strengthen the squad significantly, aiming to add six to seven new players, both foreign and Israeli, due to the current short roster. He expressed frustration that several quality foreign players declined offers to join the club despite attractive contracts. The coach highlighted the presence of many young players from the youth ranks currently filling the squad for training purposes.

The club faces challenges in assembling a fully competitive team ahead of the Israeli Premier League season, but Abuksis remains focused on building a stronger lineup for the upcoming campaign.