Masai Dago Prepares Hapoel Ramat Gan for Tough Opener Against Maccabi Haifa

Hapoel Ramat Gan is gearing up for the 2026/2027 season with an away match at Sammy Ofer Stadium against Maccabi Haifa. The club is optimistic following a strong Toto Cup campaign under coach Masai Dago, who narrowly missed reaching the semifinals after losing a penalty shootout to Beitar Jerusalem. The squad is nearly complete except for Matan Hozaz, who is not yet match-fit. Portuguese defender Jota, suspended from the last game, will also miss the opener, with Marcio Silva expected to start in central defense.

Dago will face Maccabi Haifa for the first time since ending his tenure there and plans to field a lineup similar to the Toto Cup, relying on foreign players Sergej Mihajlovic and Christopher Boniface alongside Maksim Plakuschenko. Loanees from Maccabi Haifa, including Getacho Yablow at right back, will feature, while Luan Campos is set to lead the attack with Marius Novisi possibly making his starting debut.

The team acknowledges the challenge of playing at Sammy Ofer but intends to play their own style of football. They have chosen not to set specific goals for the season's start, preferring to progress gradually while maintaining confidence in their potential for a successful campaign. The expected lineup includes Amit Reif in goal; defenders Getacho Yablow, Marcio Silva, Omer Yitzhak, and Fard Ibrahim; midfielders Sergej Mihajlovic, Christopher Boniface, and Maksim Plakuschenko; and forwards Luan Campos, David Asenka, and Marius Novisi, with Idan Barness as a substitute.