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 with the opening round of the Athena Cup, highlighted by the first Tel Aviv women's derby in more than two decades. Maccabi Tel Aviv defeated Hapoel Tel Aviv 2-1 in a match marking the revival of both clubs. Goals from Robimo Tracy Elizabeth Motsarera (52nd minute) and Diana Borges (84th) secured the win, while Maria Almazri scored a temporary equalizer for Hapoel (56th).
In other Group B matches, M.S. Kiryat Gat edged Hapoel Ra'anana 2-1 with goals from Or Diben (36th) and Simao Samia (59th), despite a late goal by Oh Amkais (65th). In Group A, Maccabi Holon dominated Bnot Netanya 4-0, capitalizing on Netanya's limited squad of only 10 players, including four youth players. Alicia Elizabeth Palister opened scoring with a penalty (13th), followed by goals from Roni Levi (26th), Maya Hitman (44th), and Ravid Cohen (51st).
Hapoel Katamon Jerusalem also started strong with a 3-0 victory over Maccabi Kesherot Hadera, thanks to goals by Smadar Cohen (11th) and Jailey de Silva Gomes (14th and 76th). The next round of Athena Cup matches is scheduled for Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
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