Matchday 17 of the Israel Youth Premier League Ligat Ha’Al saw Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv host Hapoel Rishon Le’Zion at the Ramle Stadium. The young Yellow & Blue began the day in 3rd place with 7 wins our of their past 8 matches while the visitors sat in 14th place with just two league wins to their credit. Head coach Guy Tzarfati’s attack included a trio of Eyal Hen, Mufleh Shalata and William Agada.
Tzarfati’s complete Starting Lineup featured: Daniel Peretz, Amit Glazer, Alon Shtrozberg, Fadi Najar, Yoav Hofmayster, Tamir Glazer, Tomer Altman (C), Eylon Almog, Mufleh Shalata, Eyal Hen, William Agada.
First Half
The match began well for the U19’s and had their opening chance in the 3’ when Shalata headed the ball to Agada and sent it to Almog who tried his luck from long distance but his attempt went over the bar. Altman had an opportunity in the 10’ but his chance also went over the goal as the contest remained goalless early on.
In the 16’ the visitors had their first chance after a mixup by the Yellow & Blue defense but Rishon striker Amit Mor’s one on one attempt saw Peretz make the big stop. 6 minutes later Agada came down the left wing, went by two players and found Almog in the middle, but his shot wasn’t strong enough and the visiting keeper made the save.
Shalata sent a ball from the right to the head of Agada but his attempt in the 37’ was saved again and just before the break Shalata’s cross to Najar from the right was headed wide of the goal as the match went into halftime tied at 0:0.
Second Half
The second half began just as the first ended with Maccabi in complete control as Altman’s chance went over the bar in the 47’ while 3 minutes later Agada’s attempt was just saved by the keeper and sent out for a corner. In the 52’ Shalata sent another cross into the box that was taken care of by the Rishon defense and the rebound was put over the goal by Hen. Six minutes later Agada again threatened to score but his chance went over the bar as well.
In the 63’ the visitors almost took the surprise lead when their corner was parried by Peretz to Ariel Landsman who sent the ball out as Maccabi went on a counter attack led by Shalata but Almog’s chance was stopped by the defense and sent out for a corner. Five minutes later Agada left the ball for Almog in the box but he put it over the bar and in the 69’ Agada’s attempt was saved by the keeper.
Finally in the 71’ Maccabi broke the ice when Altman put the ball into the back of the goal for a 1:0 lead. Peretz had to be sharp a minute later when he made a terrific stop to keep the Yellow & Blue in the lead. As the match headed towards time, Prince Thomas began a fine attack and sent the ball to Agada who in turn handed it off to Netanel Peretz but the latter slammed the ball off of the post. Rishon had a chance to draw even in the 90’ from a free kick but the ensuing header went out and Maccabi picked up the 1:0 win.
