Hapoel Kiryat Shmona Celebrates Toto Cup Semifinal Spot After Comeback Win

Hapoel Kiryat Shmona secured a 3-1 victory over Hapoel Haifa at Sammy Ofer Stadium on August 8, 2026, advancing to the Toto Cup semifinals. Despite a disappointing first half marked by tension and inaccuracy, coach Shai Berda inspired a turnaround during halftime. The team returned energized, aggressive, and confident, overcoming the deficit to dominate the second half and clinch their fourth consecutive win. The club expressed great satisfaction with the players' character and ability to elevate their performance under pressure, emphasizing that they have a special squad capable of achieving significant success.

Looking ahead, Kiryat Shmona is preparing for a challenging matchup against Hapoel Tel Aviv, a rival they have faced closely in recent encounters. While the Toto Cup is not considered the ultimate test, the early-season momentum from four straight wins and a strong comeback victory is encouraging. The club views the semifinal qualification as a valuable bonus that boosts their ambitions for the league season. After some uncertainty during the summer, Kiryat Shmona now feels confident they possess a team that can do more than just survive in the top division.