Hapoel Katamon Jerusalem and Maccabi Tel Aviv Advance to Athena Cup Semifinals
The second round of the Athena Cup football tournament concluded on August 26, 2026, with Hapoel Katamon Jerusalem and Maccabi Tel Aviv securing their spots in the semifinals. Hapoel Katamon dominated Maccabi Holon 3-0, while Maccabi Tel Aviv edged out Hapoel Ra'anana 1-0. Both teams now lead their groups with six points each.
In Group A, Maccabi Kishronot Hadera earned their first win of the season by defeating Bnot Netanya 2-1. Ashley Martinez scored early for Netanya, but Maya Cabrera and Fernanda Aria turned the game around for Hadera. With three points, Hadera is tied with Holon, who will face them in the final group match to decide the second semifinal spot.
Group B saw Hapoel Ra'anana fall to Maccabi ASA Tel Aviv 0-1, with Eilat Cohen scoring the decisive goal. Maccabi ASA Tel Aviv secured their semifinal place with six points, while Ra'anana remains without points. In another Group B match, Hapoel Tel Aviv defeated M.S. Kiryat Gat 2-0, thanks to a brace from Eden Avital. Both teams now have three points and will compete for the remaining semifinal berth in their final group game.
The tournament's tiebreakers favor Maccabi ASA Tel Aviv over Hapoel Tel Aviv due to their higher league finish last season, ensuring Maccabi's advancement if a three-way tie occurs. The upcoming decisive matches between Holon and Hadera, and between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Kiryat Gat, will determine the final semifinalists.
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