Hapoel Be'er Sheva Eliminates Icelandic Rival to Advance in Champions League Qualifiers

Hapoel Be'er Sheva secured a crucial 2-0 home victory over Icelandic club Vikingur on July 29, 2026, overturning a 2-1 first-leg defeat and advancing to the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League. This win guarantees the Israeli champions a spot in the group stage of a European competition this season, as even if they lose in the next round against Red Star Belgrade or in the Europa League playoff, they will still enter the Conference League group stage.

The match featured a slow-paced first half with no goals, despite a close chance for Vikingur. In the second half, Be'er Sheva intensified their attack, with Guy Mizrahi assisting Zahavi Ahmed's header in the 65th minute for the opener. Fifteen minutes later, Kings Kangwa set up Amir Ganah for a second goal, sealing the victory.

A dramatic moment occurred in stoppage time when a penalty was initially awarded after a foul on goalkeeper Ofir Marciano, but VAR overturned the decision due to a prior foul on the keeper. The match ended 2-0, confirming Be'er Sheva's progression.

The club also announced the departure of key midfielder Kings Kangwa, who contributed significantly to their recent successes, including league and cup titles. Kangwa will continue his career at Greek side Panathinaikos, which competes in the Conference League qualifiers.

Be'er Sheva's advancement marks an important milestone in their European campaign, promising a competitive winter in continental tournaments and maintaining their presence on the international stage.