Maccabi Tel Aviv Ready for Lugano Clash with Key Players Fit

Maccabi Tel Aviv received encouraging news ahead of their first-leg Conference League playoff match against Swiss club Lugano on Thursday. Defender Mohamed Ali Kamara and midfielder Issouf Sisoko both completed full training sessions and are expected to be available for coach Kenny Miller. Kamara had been sidelined due to an injury sustained last week against CSKA Sofia and missed the recent match versus Maccabi Netanya. Sisoko was also injured in the last game against Hapoel Kfar Saba, which Maccabi Tel Aviv won 1-0 to reach the Toto Cup final.

In addition to the positive injury updates, pro-Palestinian groups in Switzerland who had planned to protest against the Israeli team at the stadium have canceled their demonstrations. Lugano issued a statement assuring the safety of all fans during the match and confirmed that comprehensive security measures will be in place. The club also noted that only a small number of Israeli supporters are expected to attend the game.

Maccabi Tel Aviv aims to secure a favorable result in Switzerland ahead of the return leg at home. The match is scheduled for August 20, 2026, as part of the UEFA Conference League qualifying playoffs.