Maccabi are through to the “Toto” Cup final to face Maccabi Haifa after a hard fought 1-0 victory over Hapoel Haifa. Tal Ben Haim scored, Barak Itzhaki made his first appearance since February
Maccabi Tel Aviv have reached their first “Toto” (League) Cup final since the 2008/09 season after gaining a slender 1-0 victory over Hapoel Haifa at the “Moshava” Stadium in Petach Tikva. Tal Ben Chaim scored the winner for Maccabi in the twelfth minute after a series of poor clearances by the Hapoel Haifa defence in front of goal gave the winger the opportunity to slam home from close range off the glove of Hapoel Haifa keeper Niv Antman. Maccabi created several other chances in the first half but failed to extend their lead. Four minutes after the goal Mahran Radi received a long ball in the area from defender Dor Peretz but the midfielder shot high over the net. In the 24th minute young striker Gael Margulies headed over a cross from defender Omri Ben Harush. At the other end midfielder Hisham Kiwan crossed in to Canadian striker Tosaint Ricketts who hit the woodwork.
Hapoel Haifa opened the second half with a free kick by midfielder Or Ostvind that was saved by Maccabi keeper Barak Levy. Ten minutes after the restart Dor Peretz came close for Maccabi when he lunged for a free kick from midfielder Mahran Radi, but the young defender headed just wide. Ten minutes from time defender Carlos Garcia was helped off the pitch after receiving a blow to the head after heading away a cross in his own area. Sheran Yeini came in off the substitute’s bench and moments later got a cross into midfielder Dor Micha in the area who passed back to Ben Chaim in front of goal but his subsequent shot dribbled wide. Five minutes from time Hapoel Haifa substitute forward Mahran Lala received a gift from the Maccabi defence but his shot struck the crossbar. Two minutes later Maccabi striker Barak Itzhaki returned to action for the first time since sustaining an injury last February before Maccabi’s Europa League knock-out match against FC Basel. But his sojourn on the pitch lasted just ten minutes when after seven minutes of time added on the final whistle declared Maccabi 1-0 winners.
Maccabi Tel Aviv will now meet Maccabi Haifa, who tonight beat Ashdod FC 3-1, in the "Toto" Cup final on New Year’s Eve.
