The Under-16 squad secured their place in the State Cup semifinals after a 3:2 win over Beitar Tubruk in a match that took place at the PenguinPickUp Training Ground at Kiryat Shalom.
Maccabi took a quick lead thanks to an own goal but near the end of the second half Tubruk scored a pair of goals to take a 2:1 advantage. The young Yellow & Blue drew even once again due to an own goal and in added time Amit Tzur, who came on as a substitute found the winner as Maccabi recorded the 3:2 win moved into the Stats Cup semifinals.
Head Coach Eran Sassi summed up the win: “We began the match well and had 3 good chances to score but we couldn’t fin the back of the goal. The misses gave motivation to our rival and they began to play more aggressive. We lost control of the match and were disorganized which they took advantage of. Despite being ahead 1:0 they scored two goals and went into the break down 2:1. We started the second half well and we made a number of substitutes that brought us some new energy which is what helped us win the game as Amit Tzur scored the decisive goal. I’m proud of the guys and how they showed character and desire especially coming back from a deficit.”
In order to reach the semifinals, Eran Sassi’s team defeated Beitar Jerusalem, Ashdod and Maccabi Herzliya.
