The youth team came back from a 2:0 deficit to beat Hapoel Ra’anana 4:2, maintaining first place. Talmi and Nahum each scored twice.
The youth team visited Hapoel Ra’anana this Saturday in the 11th round of the Youth Premier League. League play resumed after a month-long break, and Hapoel wanted to keep its place at the top of the table against a mid-table opponent - and that’s exactly what happened after a dramatic match.
The game didn’t start well for Shahar Weisinger’s squad, who conceded first in the 13th minute after a defensive error. Later in the first half, Ravid Olezki drew a penalty and stepped up to take it from the spot, but sent it wide. Ra’anana doubled their lead at the start of the second half, and from there - the turnaround began.
In the 72nd minute, Ron Talmi set up a beautiful assist for Shahar Nahum, who finished with a one-touch shot to make it 2:1. Six minutes later, Giorgi Kuperava sent a cross into the box, and Ron Talmi equalized with a brilliant bicycle kick to make it 2:2. Hapoel pushed for the win and got it in the 90th minute, with Talmi again on target - pouncing on a rebound and firing into the keeper’s left corner. Shahar Nahum also completed his brace after breaking into the box, beating his marker, and finishing into the net.
Head coach Shahar Weisinger said afterward: This win is a significant milestone in our process and in our season. Even though we played well, we fell behind 2:0, but we never stopped playing our football. Fortunately, we managed to turn it around and win. I’m proud of the players and the staff.
Hapoel, as mentioned, kept its place at the top of the table with 24 points out of a possible 33. In the next round, which will take place on Saturday (13.12, 16:15), the team will host Hapoel Haifa at the Bat Yam Stadium.
Played for Hapoel: Ynal Bazdog, Elay Mori, Guy Eligulashvili, Giorgi Kuperava, Emmanuel Zauda (Ben Zaid, 54’), Yishai Brosh, Itamar Hosid, Idan Kapellner (Alon Moskowitz, 54’), Ravid Olezki (Ori Meir, 90’), Ron Talmi (Yarin Shyovitz, 90’), and Or Mesika (Shahar Nahum, 54’)