Hapoel Be'er Sheva Celebrates Convincing 2-0 Win Over Vikingur to Advance in Champions League Qualifiers

Hapoel Be'er Sheva secured a significant 2-0 victory against Vikingur on Wednesday, ensuring their progression to the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League and the Europa League group stage. The team and coaching staff celebrated with fans on the field and later in the locker room, marking a moment of great joy for the club.

Coach Ran Kozuch received praise for his tactical decisions, particularly for starting with Zahy Ahmad, who was described by club sources as the best player on the pitch. Kozuch's substitutions, including the impactful entries of Eliel Peretz and Amir Ganaah, were credited with changing the game's dynamics. Defenders Miguel Vitor and Itay Rotman also earned high commendations for their performances, with Vitor's experience bringing calmness and Rotman proving his value as a recent signing.

Eliel Peretz, who did not start the match, made a crucial impact after coming off the bench during a goalless period, indicating a positive professional relationship with Kozuch. Meanwhile, Kings Kangwa played his final game for the club and was emotionally celebrated by teammates and fans before departing for medical tests in Athens ahead of his transfer to Panathinaikos, which had been agreed upon prior to the match.

The club is actively seeking to strengthen the squad, aiming to sign a foreign player to replace Kangwa or even a more attacking midfielder for the number 10 position, as well as a new defender. The guaranteed advancement to the league stage is expected to accelerate these signings and potentially attract higher-quality players. Pedro Amador, who officially joined the team recently, is expected to be registered for the third qualifying round against Red Star Belgrade.

Coach Kozuch expressed satisfaction with the team's progress but emphasized their ambition: "We are happy to have secured advancement to the Conference League, but we aspire and dream of a higher competition."