Gabi Kanikovski Advances to Playoffs, Set to Face Mohamed Salah's Trabzonspor

Israeli midfielder Gabi Kanikovski helped his team, Ferencváros, advance to the playoff round of the European competitions after a 1-1 draw against Górnik Zabrze on August 13, 2026. The aggregate score was 2-1 in favor of Ferencváros following their 1-0 victory in the first leg in Hungary. Kanikovski entered the match in the 59th minute as part of an offensive substitution by coach Blaz Sburli. Despite conceding a penalty goal by Kasper Urbanski just before halftime, Ferencváros secured their progression thanks to an own goal by Michal Sacek, which prevented the match from going into extra time.

In the next stage, Kanikovski and Ferencváros will face Trabzonspor, featuring Egyptian star Mohamed Salah. This matchup highlights the continuing involvement of Israeli players in European football competitions alongside prominent teams and players. The game was part of the third qualifying round second leg of the European tournaments, with other Israeli players also competing in various leagues on the same evening.