A second-half goal by Sohil Armeli proved the decider as the U19s beat Maccabi Petach Tikva
In their second outing in the national Under-19 Premier League, Maccabi Tel Aviv "Shachar" recorded their second consecutive win with a 0-1 away victory over Maccabi Petach Tikva. Head coach Ziv Arie's side faced tough opponents but finally succeeded in unlocking the opposition defence to score the winning goal.
The visitors dominated possession throughout the first half but struggled to break down an expanded home-side defence. Defender Sean Goldberg, who last week featured in the senior team's "Toto" Cup match against Hapoel Petch Tikva, made his first appearance here for the Under-19s and also had the first chance of the match when he found himself in scoring position but narrowly missed the target. He was followed by Congolese striker Mavis Chibote, whose shot was saved by the Petach Tikva keeper, and fellow striker Raz Itzhak, who headed wide. These were the most significant events of a first half that ended without either side getting on the scoreboard.
Ten minutes after the restart "Shachar" renewed their intentions, with Mavis Chibote once again providing the effort in an unfulfilled opportunity. A minute later those intentions became reality as striker Yonatan Cohen served up an excellent pass for midfielder Sohil Armeli, who used his left foot to net his second goal of the season. Two minutes later, three-time provider Cohen nearly scored himself, but a near miss left him without a goal in the new season. Maccabi Petach Tikva were limited to one scoring opportunity, but "Shachar" keeper Sahar Hason saw to it that his side finished with their second consecutive clean sheet. At the other end "Shachar" mounted further attempts to stretch their advantage. Midfielder Matan Hozez, whose goals powered the national U19 team to success in European tournaments this summer, had a number of goes from outside the area and substitute defender Ofek Barzani came close as the match entered its final moments. But the match finished 0-1 and Maccabi Tel Aviv "Shachar" will be happy with the three points that keep them joint top of the U19 Premier League table.
Next week Maccabi's Under-19s return home to Kiryat Shalom training ground to play Hapoel Haifa.
Starting line-up: Sahar Hason, Guy Aviv, Shachar Fiban, Idan Yogev, Sean Goldberg, Dan Glazer, Gabriel Kanikovski, Sohil Armeli, Yonatan Cohen, Mavis Chibote, Raz Itzhak
