Hapoel Jerusalem Opens 2026/27 Season Against Maccabi Tel Aviv with New Dynamic Approach

Hapoel Jerusalem will begin their 2026/27 Israeli Premier League season on Sunday evening facing the reigning State Cup holders, Maccabi Tel Aviv. The match will take place at Hapoel's home stadium in Rehovot, where a sold-out crowd is expected, including 3,000 tickets allocated to Maccabi fans already sold.

The club aims to present a more dynamic and attacking style of play compared to previous seasons, prioritizing forward momentum even at the risk of defensive exposure. Coach Lior Zada has fostered a positive and refreshed locker room atmosphere and expressed strong belief in the squad he has assembled. Despite the absence of young defender Hilai Melman due to a patellar tendon strain until October, Sani Abdulsalam has recovered from injury and will be available.

Zada described the summer as a long and intense period of rebuilding and reconnecting, noting some players joined late and the team is still searching for the right foreign striker. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset within the team and acknowledged ongoing tactical adjustments. The coach promised to inject emotion, heart, and belief into the team to energize the fans, recalling the strong finish to last season and expressing excitement for the new campaign.

Captain Omer Agbadish highlighted the fresh energy in the squad and his personal ambition to elevate his performance. He stressed the desire to prove the team's capabilities against a tough opponent like Maccabi Tel Aviv. The expected starting lineup includes Nadav Zamir in goal, with defenders Tamir Haimovich, Yonatan Lish, Noam Malmod, and Ofek Nadir; midfielders Yanai Distelfeld, Christ Tihe, and Nadim Warasneh; and forwards Ohad Almogor, Vitali Damshkan, and Israel Dapa (or Andrew Idoko).