Maccabi Wins First Women's Tel Aviv Derby in Over 20 Years as 2026/27 Season Kicks Off
The 2026/27 Israeli Women's Premier League season began on August 20, 2026, with the opening round of the Athena Cup, highlighted by the first Tel Aviv women's derby in more than two decades. Maccabi Asra Tel Aviv defeated Hapoel Tel Aviv 2-1 in a historic match after both teams were re-established. Robimo Tracy Elizabeth Motsrara scored in the 52nd minute and Diana Borges sealed the win in the 84th, while Maria Almatsri briefly equalized for Hapoel in the 56th minute.
In other Group B action, MS Kiryat Gat edged Hapoel Ra'anana 2-1 with goals from Or Diben (36) and Simao Samia (59), while Oh Amkais scored a consolation goal for Ra'anana (65). In Group A, Maccabi Holon dominated Bnot Netanya 4-0 despite Netanya fielding only ten players, including four youth players. Alicia Elizabeth Palister opened the scoring with a penalty in the 13th minute, followed by goals from Roni Levi (26), Maya Hitman (44), and Ravid Cohen (51).
Hapoel Katamon Jerusalem started strong with a 3-0 victory over Maccabi Kesherot Hadera, thanks to goals by Smadar Cohen (11) and Jailey de Silva Gomes (14, 76). The next round of Athena Cup matches is scheduled for Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
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