Maccabi Haifa Seeks First Point Against Struggling Ironi Tiberias in Toto Cup

While Israel's top football clubs compete in European tournaments, Maccabi Haifa is struggling in the Toto Cup. After suffering two losses and conceding six goals in Group A, Haifa hosted Ironi Tiberias on Tuesday evening, aiming for their first win or at least a point in the 2026/27 season. Due to injuries to Omri Glazer and Sharif Kiyouf, 19-year-old Glen Elvin started as goalkeeper for the hosts. Yarin Levi returned to midfield alongside Eitan Azulai, with Guy Melamed leading the attack. The injured list also grew with Ali Muhammad sidelined, and Manuel Benson, Tsunami, and striker Andreja Novakovic unavailable due to fitness or recovery issues.

Ironi Tiberias, preparing for a disciplinary hearing related to doping allegations, was missing suspended players and Samir Farhoud, banned following the cup final incidents. Key striker Kais Ganem remained in the lineup, hoping to exploit Haifa's weakened defense. Goalkeeper Gad Amos and defender Gal Ma'atok made their first starts for Tiberias.

The match began after a brief delay due to a net issue, with referee David Fuchsman officiating. Group A standings before the final round show Hapoel Haifa leading with nine points from three wins, followed by Ironi Kiryat Shmona with six points, Ironi Tiberias with three, and both Bnei Sakhnin and Maccabi Haifa without points. The final fixtures scheduled for Saturday include Bnei Sakhnin vs. Maccabi Haifa and Hapoel Haifa vs. Ironi Kiryat Shmona.