Maccabi Tel Aviv Holds Lugano to 0-0 in Crucial Conference League Qualifier First Half

Maccabi Tel Aviv faces a critical challenge in the UEFA Conference League qualifiers after a surprising elimination by CSKA Sofia, following a 3-0 loss in Batumi. To avoid missing out on European competition for the first time in two years, Maccabi must overcome Swiss side Lugano in their away leg and push the decisive match to the second leg in Georgia.

Coach Kenny Miller maintained the same starting lineup from last week's 3-1 victory in Bulgaria, with Ali Mohamed Kamara recovered from injury and Issouf Sisoko fully fit after recent training sessions. Tyrese Asante continued as right-back alongside Osher Davida, with striker Ester Sokler leading the attack. Saeid Abu Farhi remained on the bench amid transfer talks with Colorado Rapids.

Lugano, led by coach Mattia Croci-Torti, praised Maccabi's European experience but expressed strong ambitions to qualify for the Conference League. The Swiss club is enjoying an excellent domestic season, currently leading the league with a perfect record and having scored ten goals in their recent cup match.

The first half ended scoreless, with both teams fielding strong lineups. Maccabi Tel Aviv's starting eleven included Ofek Malika, Tyrese Asante, Raz Shlomo, Mohamed Ali Kamara, Roy Revivo, Issouf Sisoko, Ido Shahar, Dor Peretz, Osher Davida, Helio Varela, and Ester Sokler. Lugano's lineup featured David von Ballmoos, Antonius Papadopoulos, Lukas Mai, Hans Delcroix, Mattia Zanotti, Oran Bislimi, Anto Gregic, Janis Simniani, Daniel Dos Santos, Renato Stefan, and Kevin Burns.

Maccabi Tel Aviv aims to secure a favorable result in Switzerland to keep their European campaign alive and avoid the setback of missing continental competition next season.