Zahi Ahmed Saves Hapoel Be'er Sheva With Crucial Goal in European Qualifier

In what marked the farewell appearance of one of Hapoel Be'er Sheva's best players, Kings Kangwa nearly gifted a goal to Vikingur during the first half of their European qualifier match. Kangwa's turnover inside the penalty area and another mistake near midfield led to dangerous Vikingur counterattacks, putting Be'er Sheva under heavy pressure. However, Zahi Ahmed emerged as the hero by making a critical defensive clearance to prevent a goal during a four-on-one Vikingur breakaway. Ahmed, known for covering teammates' errors, compensated for his lack of scoring with vital defensive contributions.

Despite not scoring frequently, Ahmed scored Be'er Sheva's first goal in the 65th minute, bringing justice to his efforts and sparking a stronger second-half performance. Amir Ganah's goal in the 80th minute secured the victory, ensuring the Israeli champions a longer European campaign, which is crucial both financially and competitively. This win is expected to help the club retain key players like Lucas Ventura and find a suitable replacement for Kangwa.

The match also highlighted the emergence of Or Blorian, who stepped up in defense following Jibril Diop's departure. Although Blorian lacks some of the skills of his predecessor, his ball-handling and overall play earned him a spot in the lineup. The victory not only boosts Be'er Sheva's European ambitions but also provides the financial means to strengthen the squad further.