Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv defeated M.S. Ashdod 1-0 tonight at Bloomfield Stadium in Matchweek 17 of the Winner League. Loizou scores the winner.
Hapoel hosted M.S. Ashdod tonight at Bloomfield for the fourth encounter between the teams this season across all competitions. The objective was clear: secure a fourth victory over the port city rival and get back on the winning track.
The team came into the match following a loss in the previous round at Teddy Stadium, a defeat that snapped a positive streak of four unbeaten games.
Ten days ago, Hapoel eliminated Ashdod in the 8th round of the State Cup with a convincing 3-0 win, but tonight was a different story. In a match that did not reach a high level, the visitors played defensively for most of the game, frustrating the Hapoel players who couldn't find the back of the net during the first half.
In the 64th minute, Omri Altman received a second yellow card and was sent off, leaving Hapoel with ten men. Surprisingly, Hapoel looked better with a numerical disadvantage and created several missed opportunities. In the 73rd minute, the balance of power on the pitch was restored when Ashdod was also reduced to ten men after Raz Meir was sent off.
The decisive moment arrived in the closing minutes. In the 84th minute, a wonderful play by Yazan Nassar on the left flank ended with a shot parried by the opposing goalkeeper; the ball fell to Loizos Loizou. The Cypriot international made no mistake, scoring the winner from close range and registering his fourth goal of the season.
Hapoel remains perfect in home league matches this season, with an eighth victory in eight games and a home goal difference of 18:4. Following the win, Hapoel raises its tally to 28 points, solidifying its spot in fourth place and bringing its overall goal difference to 30:20 (+10).
Played for Hapoel: Assaf Tzur, Tal Archel (Amit Lemkin – 58), Fernand Mayembo {Captain}, Chico Alves, Yazan Nassar, Lucas Falcao (Daniel Dappa – 58), Andrian Kraev, Roei Elkokin (Ari Cohen – 88), Roy Korine (Liran Rotman – 71), Loizos Loizou (El Yam Kancepolsky – 88), Omri Altman (Sent off – 64).
Referee: Na'al Odeh officiated in front of 12,500 spectators at Bloomfield Stadium.
Next Match: Hapoel's next match will take place on Saturday (10/1) when they travel to Sammy Ofer Stadium to face Hapoel Haifa in Matchweek 18 of the Winner League. Kickoff is at 17:30.
Match Events
Minute 15: Roy Korine played a dangerous ball to Altman; Diakité cleared it just in time, saving a sure goal.
Minute 18: Roy Korine received the ball inside the box, made a good turn, and unleashed a sharp shot that narrowly missed the frame.
Minute 23: A good Hapoel attack ended with a cross into the box; Altman headed it, but weakly into Nimtzenky's hands.
Minute 34: A cross into the box reached Kraev who headed well, but Nimtzenky made the save.
Minute 38: Omri Altman took a free kick from about 25 meters out, but it went high over the bar.
Minute 64: Omri Altman is sent off after receiving a second yellow card.
Minute 67: A Hapoel counterattack left Dapaah in a good position; he shot from the edge of the box straight into Nimtzenky's hands.
Minute 70: A great through ball put Loizou one-on-one with Nimtzenky, but the Cypriot took a heavy touch and missed a good chance.
Minute 73: Ashdod is also left with ten men.
Minute 84: Goal! Hapoel Tel Aviv takes a 1-0 lead: Yazan Nassar produced a great move on the flank, beat Yesilirmak, penetrated the box, and sent a cross that was parried poorly by Nimtzenky. Loizou pounced on the rebound and scored from close range.