Maccabi’s first test of the pre-season training camp in Spain saw Robbie Keane’s charges line up against Orlando Pirates of South Africa.
First Half
Maccabi had their first shot on goal 12 minutes from the start as a counter attack which began with Djordje Jovanovic near the halfway line saw Eylon Almog charge down the left flank. Almog’s square ball reached Jovanovic on the edge of the area before the Serbian striker had his snap shot saved by Pirates keeper Sipho Chaine.
In the 23rd minute Derrick Luckassen picked the ball out of defence and released Almog who cut inside and unleahed a powerful right foot drive that sailed wide of the post.
Jovanovic had another shot on goal on 34 as Sheran Yeini’s long ball out of defence was chested by Eyal Golasa and knocked into the path of Maccabi’s striker. But once again Jovanovic’s attempt of a shot was equalled by Chaine.
In the 40th minute while Luckassen was receiving treatment on the touchlines Pirates took the lead as Patrick Maswanganyi side footed from the center of the box with Tomer Alon unable to keep the ball out.
On the brink of halftime Maccabi created the best chance of the half as Ofir Davidzada and Parfait Guiagon exchanged passes on the edge of the box. The Ivorian’s backheal flick released Davidzado who had only the keeper to beat but sent his shot agonisingly wide.
Second Half
Keane made a couple of changes at the restart as Roi Mishpati replaced Alon in goal while 17-year-old Sayid Abu Farhi came on for Dan Glazer at the restart. Pirates almost doubled their lead five minutes inside the second half as Miquel Timm was left unmarked on the edge on the edge of area but miscued his shot wide.
In the 71st minute, Milson, received his first outing in Maccabi’s colours as he replaced Rosen at left wing back. In the 80th minute Pirates were also reduced to 10 men following Sephelo Baloni’s reckless tackle on Milson.
In the 85th minute a Dor Peretz cross into the box reached Eran Zahavi whose header was caught on the line by Siyabonga.
Maccabi’s second match of the training camp will see Keane’s charges line up against Premiership outfit Bournmouth on July 16th.
