Hapoel Tel Aviv Wins Toto Cup Semifinal With Strong Squad Rotation

Hapoel Tel Aviv secured a 2-1 victory over Ironi Kiryat Shmona in the Toto Cup semifinal, despite concerns about player fatigue due to a congested schedule and European competition success. Coach Aliniv Bereda emphasized the team's unique character and rotated the squad extensively, introducing eight new players including Shahar Piven, Amit Lamkin, El Yam Kenzpulski, Tal Archel, Yonatan Farber, Mor Buskila, Shanda Silva, and Daniel Dapa. Although the team struggled at times, the rotation strategy helped preserve player fitness for the long season ahead.

Notably, Kenzpulski and Dapa stood out, overcoming previous criticism from fans. Kenzpulski delivered one of his best performances with defensive work, ball movement, and involvement in a goal. Dapa, still young and inconsistent, scored both winning goals, potentially boosting his confidence after a challenging year. Meanwhile, Shanda Silva faced difficulties amid fan pressure and reduced playing time, with the club exploring options for the left wing. Douglas Aveso contributed positively in limited minutes and is expected to need time to find his form and role within the team.