Matchday 20 of the Israel Youth Premier League Ligat Ha’Al featured Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv hosting Bnei Sakhnin. The young Yellow & Blue began the day in second place just 2 points off the top of the table with 9 wins in 11 matches while the visiting Bnei Sakhnin were in 12th place. Head Coach Guy Tzarfati’s attack included Mufleh Shalata, Eyal Hen and William Agada.
The Starting XI featured Daniel Peretz in goal, Amit Glazer, Alon Shtrozberg, Fadi Najar, Yoav Hofmayster, Tamir Glazer, Tomer Altman, Eylon Almog, Mufleh Shalata, Eyal Hen and William Agada.
First Half
In the 4’ the Yellow & Blue almost took the quick lead when Shalata crossed the ball from the right to Hen, but the keeper was able to make the save, while ten minutes later Sakhnin striker Osame Halayla’s attempt from the top of the box went out. A minute later, Altman’s chance in the box was again saved by the Sakhnin keeper Oddo Akevan.
In the 24’ Almog tried his luck from long distance but Akevan made the stop while a minute later, Almog’s chance went over the bar. Altman’s 29’ opportunity was saved by Akevan from 20 meters as the young Yellow & Blue came closer to scoring.
And score they would in the 38’ off a counter attack as Hen took a through ball from the left wing and put it into the far corner of the goal for a 1:0 Maccabi lead. Agada and Almog each had chances to add to the lead before the end of the half but Akevan came up big again as the Yellow & Blue took a 1:0 lead into the break.
Second Half
Maccabi “Shachar” continued to apply pressure and control the pace of the play. In the 63’ a terrific through ball made its way to Shalata, but his attempt was saved by Akevan, while ten minutes later Almog’s corner found Agada in the box but his header was stopped by the keeper.
In the 77’ Sakhnin looked to find the equalizer but the Maccabi defense took care of the threat. Six minutes later the Yellow & Blue almost doubled their lead as Altman sent a smart ball to Agada in the box but Akevan was again up to the task and sent the back our for a corner. Agada tried to put the ball over the keeper in the 90’ but his attempt missed the goal as Maccabi wrapped up a 1:0 win and moved into first place.
