Hapoel Haifa Builds Momentum With Dramatic Toto Cup Win Over Bnei Sakhnin

Hapoel Haifa celebrated a second consecutive victory in the Toto Cup on August 1, 2026, defeating Bnei Sakhnin 2-1 in a dramatic match. This win keeps their perfect record intact early in the 2026/27 season and brings them close to securing a spot in the tournament's semifinals. The team is pleased with the integration of new players and the promising signs shown despite the squad not yet being complete.

Coach Haim Silvas is actively seeking to strengthen the squad further by adding at least two more players, specifically a winger and a striker. Winger Jaydeno Braff recently arrived in Israel for trials and is expected to participate in upcoming training sessions, with a potential debut in the next Toto Cup match on Saturday. Another player, Shay Elias, who joined training over the weekend, is also anticipated to make his debut soon as the team gradually incorporates him.

Meanwhile, Itay Zeprani and Tal Naim did not train, with Naim sidelined due to a pelvic injury, though Zeprani is expected to return shortly. Defender Drago Župarić received a red card in the recent match and will miss the next game, with George Diba likely to replace him.

Following the victory, team representatives expressed optimism, stating, "There were moments when we played like a top-tier team, and there is much to be encouraged about. We could have won by at least 3-0. Despite this being only the Toto Cup, at this pace, we can become a team no one wants to face this season."