Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv will face Hapoel Kiryat Shmona tonight in Petah Tikva for the Toto Cup semi-final. Ahead of the clash, we have gathered all the statistical data, head-to-head history, and key details you need to know before kickoff.
Hapoel enters this semi-final clash amidst a demanding and congested European schedule. Having displayed exceptional tactical discipline and strong form in recent matches, the team returns to the domestic arena aiming to maintain its positive momentum.
Backed by the passionate Red Army in the stands, the Red Devils are looking to qualify for the Toto Cup final for the third consecutive year (the first of which was in the Liga Leumit, crowned with a title two years ago). Standing across from them is the northern side from Kiryat Shmona. Having already navigated two qualifying rounds in the UEFA Conference League and ahead of the upcoming playoff tie against Italy's Atalanta, Hapoel enters tonight’s fixture determined to secure a ticket to the final.
Match Information
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Date & Time: Sunday, August 16, 2026, 20:00
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Competition: Toto Cup, Semi-Final
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Venue: Shlomo Bituach Stadium, Petah Tikva
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Referee: Yoni Kelez
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Assistant Referees: Mati Yakobov, Artyom Glyakov
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VAR Referees: Idan Leiba, Rosti Talis
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Fourth Official: Snir Levi
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Broadcaster: Sport 5 HD
History Speaks
Throughout Toto Cup history, Hapoel Tel Aviv and Kiryat Shmona have met three times. Here is the complete head-to-head record and historical numbers between the two sides:
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August 8, 2008 | Bloomfield Stadium, Jaffa | Hapoel Wins a 7-Goal Thriller (4-3) The season opener turned into an electrifying goal fest. Hapoel secured a 4-3 victory in front of 4,000 spectators, officiated by Liran Liany.
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Hapoel Scorers: Yigal Antebi (15'), Eran Zahavi (42'), Samuel Yeboah (65'), Mahran Lala (89')
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Assists: Ben Luz (65'), Omri Kenda (89')
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Hapoel conceded in the 34', 36' (pen), and 61' minutes.
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September 24, 2008 | Municipal Stadium, Kiryat Shmona | Ironi Kiryat Shmona 1-1 Hapoel Tel Aviv The reverse fixture that season ended in a 1-1 draw in front of a modest crowd of 50 spectators.
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Hapoel Scorer: Idan Srur (89') – equalizing in the dying minutes
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Hapoel conceded in the 55th minute.
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Referee: Liran Waxberger
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January 24, 2012 | HaMoshava Stadium, Petah Tikva | Hapoel Tel Aviv Falls 4-3 on Penalties in the Final (1-1 AET, 0-0 in 90 Mins) In front of 4,000 fans, the final remained scoreless through regular time. In extra time, Kiryat Shmona opened the scoring in the 93rd minute, but Mahmoud Abbas equalized swiftly in the 98th minute from a Marko Šuler assist to make it 1-1 and send the match to penalties.
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Hapoel Scorer: Mahmoud Abbas (98' ET)
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Assist: Marko Suler (98' ET)
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Hapoel conceded in the 93rd minute (ET).
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Penalty Shootout (Hapoel): Scored – Toama (2), Abutbul (3), Abbas (4) | Missed – Gordana (1), Toto Tamuz (5)
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Referee: Liran Waxberger
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Numbers from the Past
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Consistently Tight Contests: All three historical encounters were decided by a margin of one goal or fewer.
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Familiar Whistle: Liran Waxberger officiated two of the three encounters, including the 2012 final.
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Late Drama: In two of the three matches, Hapoel’s equalizing or decisive goal came in the closing minutes (89' and 98').
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All-Time Toto Cup Appearances: Hapoel has played 243 matches in the Toto Cup to date.
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All-Time Top Scorer in Toto Cup: Mahran Lala – 11 goals.
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All-Time Assist Leader in Toto Cup: Moshe Sinai – 10 assists.
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Venue Milestone: Tonight's clash marks Hapoel's 20th Toto Cup match at the stadium in Petah Tikva.