As the international break which saw a large number of first-team players represent their national sides, Maccabi’s Head Coach, Zarko Lazetic worked with the rest of the squad to maintain match sharpness. Idan Nachmias, Raz Shlomo, Dor Peretz, Roi Mishpati and Dor Turgeman who all represented Israel were given a much-needed rest as were Nemanja Stojic Serbia) and Tyreses Asante (Holland U23).
Without the internationals, promotion hopefulls Hapoel Petah Tikva supplied the opposition for the friendly match at the Kiryat Shalom training complex that was won 4-1.
Petah Tikva, currently second in the second division took an early lead on 25 after Jocelin Ta Bi’s shot deflected off Stav Lemkin to beat Simon Sluga. Maccabi were back on level terms in the 38th minute after Wessley Patati picked the ball on the halfway line, charged forward and blasted home from the edge of the area. Maccabi completed the comeback just before the break as Eran Zahavi successfully converted a penalty after Ido Shahar was brought down inside the area.
Lazetic made several changes after the break but Maccabi continued to dominate and were awarded another penalty after Avishay Cohen was fouled. Shahar this time took the penalty to increase the lead to 3-1 on 70. Four minutes later Patati bagged his second with his right foot following good work by Cohen down the right to seal the win at 4-1.
Maccabi will continue preparing for the Europa League MD5 against Besiktas in Debrecen, Hungary, before returning to domestic action away to Bnei Reineh.
Maccabi: Simon Sluga, Avishay Cohen, Stav Lemkin, Idan Weinberg (Roy Revivo 70), Sagiv Jehezkel (Itay Malma 46), Joris van Overeem (Issouf Sissokho 60), Ido Sahhar (Yoav Jonio 78), Wessley Patati (Anis Porat Ayash 78), Osher Davida (Henry Addo 46), Hisham Layous (Gabi Kanichowsky 46), Eran Zahavi (Yoans Malede 46)
