Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv defeats Hapoel Petah Tikva 1-0 tonight in Matchday 28 of the Winner League. Dappa scored the winning goal in the 89th minute.
Hapoel Tel Aviv arrived at Shlomo Bituach Stadium in Petah Tikva following the defeat in the opening matchday of the Upper Playoff, with the goal of returning to the winning track.
Hapoel started at a high pace, displayed an intensive game, and pressed the hosts against their goal, but despite reaching several good chances, failed to translate the advantage into goals.
The red dominance continued throughout the first half, which was characterized by the clear superiority of the visiting team, but ended goalless.
Hapoel remained the dominant team on the pitch in the second half as well, but for long minutes it seemed the ball refused to go in. The decisive moment arrived in the 89th minute. A masterclass pass by Loizos Loizou cut through the local defense and found Daniel Dappa, who finished with an accurate touch into the net to score the winning goal. For Dappa, this is his third league goal of the season, while Loizou registers his second assist.
The victory raises Hapoel to 52 points, while their tally also includes a two-point deduction by the disciplinary court. The team increases the gap from fifth place to ten points and presents a goal difference of 47:27 (+20).
Played for Hapoel: Assaf Tzur, Shahar Piven, Fernand Mayembo {Captain}, Chico Alves, Amit Lemkin, Lucas Falcao (Roei Alkukin – 86), Andrian Kraev (El Yam Kancepolsky – 70), Stav Toriel (Roy Korine – 86), Xande Silva (Omri Altman – 70), Loizos Loizou, Emmanuel Boateng (Daniel Dappa – 60).
Refereed by Idan Leiba at Shlomo Bituach Stadium, Petah Tikva.
Hapoel's next game will take place this coming Wednesday (29/4) when they host Maccabi Haifa at Bloomfield Stadium as part of Matchday 29 of the Winner League. The match will kick off at 19:30.
Event Log
Minute 7: Xande Silva turned wonderfully on his marker and sent a powerful shot from outside the box; Shahar Amsalem deflected it for a corner.
Minute 28: This time Loizos Loizou with a shot from distance, the ball whistled over the crossbar.
Minute 39: Lucas Falcao threatened from almost the 16-meter line, his ball hit an opposing player and went out for a corner.
Minute 40: Andrian Kraev sent a wonderful pass to Loizou, with nothing separating him and goalkeeper Amsalem, but a poor touch allowed Orel Dgani to slide in and save a goal.
Minute 50: Stav Toriel blasted the crossbar of Hapoel Petah Tikva from the edge of the box; it was close.
Minute 54: The Reds' pressure forced a turnover in blue; Loizou intercepted and instead of scoring facing the goalkeeper, tried to pass to Emmanuel Boateng, who couldn't reach the ball.
Minute 64: A cross from the left found the head of Fernand Mayembo, who went up for the header and wasn't far from the target.
Minute 89: Goal! Hapoel Tel Aviv goes up 1-0: Loizou found Daniel Dappa with a wonderful pass with the outside of the boot, the striker got there first before his marking defender and beat Amsalem to give the Reds a late lead.
