Hapoel Kiryat Shmona Overcomes Hapoel Haifa to Reach Toto Cup Semifinals

Hapoel Kiryat Shmona advanced to the Toto Cup semifinals on August 8, 2026, after a dramatic 3-1 comeback victory over Hapoel Haifa. The northern team delivered a strong second-half performance, with goals from Ogrisa, Shretzki, and Sabach securing the win. Their next opponent will be Hapoel Tel Aviv.

Coach Shai Berda emphasized the team's mental strength, admitting the first half was poor and fearful, but praised the squad's resilience and fighting spirit in the second half. Berda, in his fourth year with the club, expressed his commitment to building a proud team for the northern region. Captain Ariel Shretzki highlighted the importance of the win for the northern fans and acknowledged interest from abroad but confirmed his happiness with Kiryat Shmona.

Hapoel Haifa's coach, Haim Silvas, congratulated Kiryat Shmona but expressed disappointment with his own team's performance, noting a dominant first half but a mental collapse after conceding a penalty and a quick goal. He pointed to recurring second-half issues and the need for improvement. Player Liran Rotman also commented on the penalty decision, stating the fouled player did not fall, but accepted the referee's call and stressed the need for the team to improve intensity and readiness for the league.

The match was described as intense, akin to a World Cup game, with Kiryat Shmona showing determination and courage in the second half to secure their place in the semifinals.