Maccabi continued their preparations ahead of the Champions League 2nd qualifying round first leg away to Pafos ‘s as they played a friendly match against Rishon Lezion.
New Brazilian signing, Heitor, made his first appearance as he started at the heart of defense alongside Itay Ben Hemo. In the 18th minute Amir Berkovits released Hisham Taha who put the second division side in front as he beat Ofek Melika from close range.
Three minutes before the half hour mark Sagiv Jehezkel was sent clear though together with Ion Nicolaescu. With only Arik Yanko to beat, Jehezkel, unselfishly slipped the ball to the Moldovan striker who clipped it over the keeper to level the score.
Henry Addo came on for Azo for the restart and Issouf Sissokho replaced Itamar Noy before Maccabi’s coach Zarko Lazetic made more changes on the hour mark. A minute later Sissokho charged through the middle and from inside the area twisted and beat Rishon’s keeper Dvir Nir with a shot into the top corner.
Maccabi: Ofe Melika (Yoav Gerafi 60), Noam Ben Harush (Tyrese Asante 60), Heitor (Raz Shlomo 60), Denny Gropper (Roy Revivo 60), Itamar Noy (Issouf Sissokho 56), Ben Lederman (Ido Shahar 60), Elad Madmon (Dor Peretz 60), Sagiv Jehezkel (Hisham Layous 60), Ori Azo (Henry Addo 46), Ion Nicolaescu (Saied Abu Farchi 73)
