Bnei Sakhnin Coach Yossi Abuksis Plans Major Squad Reinforcements After Toto Cup Loss

Bnei Sakhnin began their Toto Cup group stage campaign with a 2-1 away defeat to Ironi Tiberias on July 25, 2026. Despite a strong first-half performance under coach Yossi Abuksis, Sakhnin conceded two late goals to lose the match. The team fielded four new foreign players, Raul Belbrao, Sana Gomes, Norberto Carlos, and Modestas Vorobiovs, with the club expressing satisfaction with the debut of Romanian goalkeeper Raul Belbrao, despite conceding twice.

Returning players Ahmad Taha and Iyad Abu Abid, back from a loan spell at Bnei Reineh, contributed to the lone goal, with Abu Abid assisting defender Amit Karadi. Karadi made his official debut but was involved in an error leading to the second goal, failing to close down Mansour Badji, who scored one-on-one against the goalkeeper.

Abuksis acknowledged the team’s fatigue and loss of concentration in the final minutes, calling it a typical first match scenario. He emphasized the importance of avoiding injuries as many players were playing a full 90 minutes for the first time. The coach revealed plans to strengthen the squad by signing six to seven additional players, both foreign and Israeli, citing a very short roster. He also expressed disappointment over foreign players who declined lucrative contracts offered by the club, which hindered their preparation for the league.

Bnei Sakhnin is preparing for a significant squad overhaul ahead of the Israeli Premier League season, aiming to build a more competitive team despite current challenges.