Maccabi Netanya and Bnei Sakhnin Draw 0-0 in Israeli Premier League Opener

Maccabi Netanya kicked off their 2026/27 Israeli Premier League season on Monday evening with a home match against Bnei Sakhnin, ending in a goalless draw. The game took place at the Netanya Stadium under the watchful eye of referee Naal Odeh, with VAR technology not operational, meaning the on-field referee relied on video officials off-site.

Netanya's owner, Ross Kastin, had earlier promised an aggressive campaign to dominate the league. However, the team, coached by Roni Levi and missing injured player Alon Azougi, struggled to break down Sakhnin's defense. Levi deployed captain Karam Jaber on the right defense and Amit Cohen on the left, with Dolev Haziza starting on the left wing. Notably, 16-year-old Yarin Abuhatzira was on the bench, as was defender Sava Khvedagiani, returning from nearly a year out due to injury.

Bnei Sakhnin, led by former Netanya coach Yossi Abuksis, also faced absences, including injured Carlitos and new signing Daniel Praskiv, who remained on the bench due to lack of match fitness. The visitors fielded a 3-5-2 formation with Raul Belberao in goal and Ilai Hajaj making his debut. Sakhnin had the first chance but failed to threaten seriously, while Netanya controlled possession but could not convert opportunities.

The match featured a high tempo and some disciplinary action, with two yellow cards for Netanya players in quick succession. The draw leaves both teams with zero points as the season begins, with other league matches either completed or postponed. The league table shows Maccabi Tel Aviv, Maccabi Petah Tikva, and Maccabi Haifa leading after their opening wins.

Upcoming fixtures include postponed matches between Hapoel Be'er Sheva and Hapoel Haifa on September 2, and Hapoel Tel Aviv versus Beitar Jerusalem on September 3.