First victory: Hapoel Jerusalem beat Maccabi Petah Tikva 0:1
Zada's team earned their first points in the Toto Cup by defeating the 'Malabes' and former coach Ziv Arie. Vitalie Damascan decided the match (48'), and Yazan Watad was sent off in the first half.
Hapoel Jerusalem achieved their first victory of the season in the Toto Cup this evening, beating Maccabi Petah Tikva 0:1 at the stadium in Rehovot. The 'Reds' from the capital took advantage of an early numerical advantage to collect their first three points in the competition, while the 'Malabes' continued their negative streak. For Ziv Arie's team, this is their third consecutive loss, leaving them in last place without a single point in the Toto Cup.
The game began at a calm pace, but in the 14th minute, the turning point arrived. Yazan Watad from Maccabi Petah Tikva made a harsh tackle with a high foot against Li-On Mizrahi, and referee Aviv Klein did not hesitate to pull out a direct red card.
The Jerusalemites returned from the locker rooms much more determined to translate the numerical advantage onto the scoreboard, and in the 48th minute, it happened. Ohad Almagor delivered a wonderful through ball to Vitalie Damascan, and the striker did not falter in front of the goalkeeper, rolling the ball into the net to set a deserved 0:1 for the 'Reds'.
As the minutes passed, Petah Tikva sent more and more players forward in a desperate search for an equalizer, but the Jerusalem defense stood firm and maintained the lead until the final whistle. In the next round, Hapoel Jerusalem will travel for an away game against Hapoel Ramat Gan with the goal of building a winning streak, while Maccabi Petah Tikva will meet the 'Ordonim' hoping to secure their first points of the season.
