A disappointing exit for Maccabi's Under 17s in the semi-finals of the Youth Team National Cup competition after losing to Maccabi Haifa 2-0
Despite being crowned champions of the National Under 17 League South, Maccabi Tel Aviv "Oded" will not be achieving the coveted double this season after losing their semi-final Youth Team National Cup tie to Maccabi Haifa 2-0 at the Moshava Stadium in Petah Tikva. Up till now their path to Cup glory had been relatively smooth: Shimshon Tel Aviv, Gadna Tel Aviv, Maccabi Petah Tikva and Bnei Sakhnin had all been treated to a total of 17 Maccabi goals to not a single reply. Today was a different story altogether as head coach Ziv Arie's chargess ran up against Maccabi Haifa, champions of the National Under 17 League North.
Maccabi Tel Aviv "Oded"'s attack was led by striking duo Guy Aviv and Sohil Armeli up front with midfielders Matan Hozaz and Yonatan Cohen behind them in support, between them having manufactured 69 goals for Maccabi's Under 17s this season alone. And Armeli it was who had Maccabi's best opportunity of the first half when he found himself on his own face to face with Maccabi Haifa goalkeeper Moyan Halabi. Unfortunately the latter proved up to the challenge and swept Armeli's effort aside. At the other end the Maccabi Haifa youngsters also left a number of chances on goal go begging and at the break the match was still scoreless.
After the restart the game's energetic pace continued but unfortunately for the Yellow side of the pitch it was Maccabi Tel Aviv "Oded" who found themselves fishing balls out of their own net. Goals by Maccabi Haifa's Eran Biton and Or Iluz settled the scoring in this semi-final match in Haifa's favour and sent their side into the Cup final against Hapoel Tel Aviv. For Maccabi Tel Aviv "Oded" all eyes will now be focused on the "Champion of Champions" competition that pits the top three clubs of the Northern and Southern leagues against one another to determine the national champion. There once again they will meet their green-clad rivals from the north with the opportunity of evening the score.
