The Under-19 side met Kiryat Shmona on Matchday 18 of the Israel Youth Premier League. Heading into the contest, Guy Tzarfati’s squad sat in 2nd place, 9 points off of the table leaders Maccabi Petah Tikva. Kiryat Shmona began the match in 3rd place as the last game between the two ended in a goalless draw.
Starting XI: Or Itzhak, Michael Chilaka, Alon Shtrozberg, Amit Glezer, Tomer Mahluf, Tamir Glezer, Mufleh Shalata, Ido Shahar, Eduardo Guerrero, Gil Ben Shalosh, Eyal Hen.
First Half
Maccabi controlled the pace of play from the outset and in the 18’ Tzarfati’s side almost took the lead when Tamir Glezer sent a brilliant through ball to Guerrero but Kiryat Shmona keeper Nadav Zamir made the save while a minute later at the other side of the pitch Abdallah Hilichel’s chance went over the goal.
The Yellow & Blue went ahead in the 21’ when Chilaka sent a ball from the right of the box to Guerrero who found the far corner for a 1:0 lead. Maccabi continued to maintain possession and had an opportunity to double their advantage in the 43’ but Tamir Glezer’s shot went over the bar as the half ended with Maccabi ahead 1:0.
Second Half
Gil Ben Shalosh headed the ball off a Shalata cross in the 50’ but Zamir was up to the task, however, two minutes later Maccabi beat the shot stopper when Shalata scored into the right corner of the box, 2:0 Yellow & Blue.
Tzaraft’s squad continued their goal scoring spree with their third in the 57’ as Hen put away Shalata’s pass, 3:0 Maccabi. Kiryat Shmona almost pulled a goal back in the 65’ however. Hilichel’s chance just cleared the bar, but three minutes later Hilichel scored to cut the Maccabi lead to 3:1.
Shalata’s 70’ chance from the right went over the goal and ten minutes later Kiryat Shmona had an opportunity but the ball went by the post as Maccabi “Shachar” wrapped up the victory.
