In his first official match in charge of Maccabi Tel Aviv ‘Shachar’, Michael Zandberg recorded a 3-1 victory away to Hapoel Ramat Hasharon on the opening day of the U19’s league season.
Maccabi’s youngsters dominated the early stages of the game with Itay Malma heading a Yeuda Balay free kick over the crossbar in the 6th minute with Ori Azu firing a free kick wide of the post on 13. Maccabi continued to look dangerous as Balay himself couldn’t find the target in the 18th minute after heading an Amir Kredi cross from the left wide as well. Ten minutes later however, the hosts took the lead in their first chance of the game as Iyamba Ebup was sent into the Maccabi area and buried his shot past goalkeeper Barak Eltagar. Four minutes after the half hour mark Azu came close as he charged into the Ramat Hasharon area past a defender but sent his shot to the side netting. Maccabi were back on level terms in the 44th minute as Balay’s free kick eluded Ramat Hasharon’s defenders and keeper Tom Carmeli to make it 1-1. Boosted by the late equalizer and inside injury time, Maccabi took the lead as Agam Hanoon headed home Kredi’s pinpoint cross to give Maccabi the lead before the halftime whistle. Maccabi reached plenty of chances after the break but Balay, Azu and Sayid Abu Fari were all denied by Carmeli who kept his side in the game. In the 65th minute Carmeli pulled a stunning save to keep out Azu’s powerful drive while four minutes later he fed Balay whose shot crept wide of the post. Carmeli was at it again in the 84th minute to deny Hanoon, but could do nothing to prevent the Maccabi striker from completing his brace with a backheel flick to seal the score at 3-1 in the 90th minute. Maccabi are set to host Hapoel Hadera for MD2 on September 2nd. Maccabi Tel Aviv ‘Shachar’: Barak Eltagar, Dor Goldstein (Adir Kordova 77), Michael Merenstein, Itay Malma, Amit Kredi (Daniel Tishler 90), Lior Mashansky, Yeuda Balay, Ido Oli, Sayid Abu Farhi (Yoav Flaishman 85), Ori Azu (Mohamad Taha 77), Aham Hanoon.