20:30 on Sport2: Four changes in Maccabi Haifa's lineup against Bnei Sakhnin
Following their first Toto Cup victory, a 4-2 win over Ironi Tiberias, Maccabi Haifa looks to build momentum tonight (Saturday, 20:30, Sport2) away at Doha Stadium against Bnei Sakhnin. While semi-final hopes are gone, a draw will secure third place in Group A for the Greens.
Following their first Toto Cup victory, a 4-2 win over Ironi Tiberias, Maccabi Haifa looks to build momentum tonight (Saturday, 20:30, Sport2) away at Doha Stadium against Bnei Sakhnin. While semi-final hopes are gone following three-goal losses to Hapoel Haifa and Ironi Kiryat Shmona, a draw will be enough for the Greens to secure third place in Group A. Conversely, a loss by more than one goal would see them finish last.
Omri Glazer, who had returned to training after an injury sustained against Ironi Kiryat Shmona, was involved in a car accident midweek, meaning young Glen Elvin continues to start in goal. Tsunami partners Nigel Lonwijk in central defense, with Kenny Saief at left-back, while Iyad Khalaili and Silva Kani also feature in the lineup. New striker Andrija Novakovic, initially expected to be registered as a trialist, remains out of the squad, delaying his debut. The hosts are without Basil Khoury, who was sent off in the midweek loss to Kiryat Shmona, while Sane Gomez returns from suspension.
Lineups
Bnei Sakhnin: Raul Belberau, Muhammad Ganama, Maroun Gantus, Iyad Abu Abaid, Amit Kardi, Sane Gomez, Carlitos, Ahmad Taha, Mustafa Sheikh Yusuf, Matthew Cudjoe, Ahmad Salman.
Maccabi Haifa: Glen Elvin, Jelle Bataille, Nigel Lonwijk, Tsunami, Kenny Saief, Yarin Levi, Eitan Azoulay, Bruninho, Iyad Khalaili, Kenji Gorre, Silva Kani.
Group A
| Team | Games | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Ironi Kiryat Shmona | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0-5 | 9 |
| 2. Hapoel Haifa | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 4-8 | 9 |
| 3. Maccabi Haifa | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 8-6 | 3 |
| 4. Ironi Tiberias | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 9-5 | 3 |
| 5. Bnei Sakhnin | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 5-20 | 0 |
Ranking matches for the Toto Cup take place next weekend, followed by the start of the Premier League in two weeks. Maccabi Haifa opens their season at home against Hapoel Ramat Gan, while Bnei Sakhnin travels to face Maccabi Netanya.
