Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv defeated Hapoel Kiryat Shmona 3-1 tonight at Miriam Stadium in Netanya in Matchday 6 of the Winner League. Stunners from Owusu and Altman.
Hapoel returned from the three-week international break in the best possible fashion, recording a convincing 3-1 away victory over Hapoel Kiryat Shmona at Netanya Stadium in Matchday 6 of the Winner League.
In front of a spectacular display of support from approximately 8,000 Red fans who painted the stands and created a distinctly home atmosphere, Elyaniv Barda's side claimed their second consecutive league victory and moved provisionally into second place in the table.
The Reds, who entered the match without Andrian Kraev due to illness, started in storming fashion and translated their pressure into an early lead in the tenth minute: Douglas Owusu received the ball about 25 meters out and unleashed a thunderous strike into the net to make it 1-0 to the Reds with his third league goal of the season. As the half progressed, the game leveled out, and the Reds held onto their lead going into the break.
With the start of the second half, Hapoel raised the tempo again, and the high pressing quickly paid dividends: in the 54th minute, El Yam Kancepolsky made a great interception, rounded the opposing goalkeeper, and delivered an accurate pass to Emmanuel Boateng, who made no mistake in front of an open net to tap it in—a second consecutive goal for the Ghanaian striker and 2-0 to Hapoel. Just four minutes later (58'), Omri Altman stepped up to take a 20-meter free kick and curled it brilliantly into the top corner to make it a commanding 3-0.
Hapoel continued to push forward in search of a fourth goal until the final whistle, with the hosts pulling one back deep into stoppage time via a penalty kick to set the final score at 3-1. Following the victory, Hapoel climbs to second place in the Winner League table with 13 points out of a possible 18 and an impressive goal difference of 14-5 (+9).
Hapoel Lineup: Assaf Tzur, Marcus Coco (Shahar Piven – 62'), Fernand Mayembo, Chico, Yannick Leliendal, Lucas Falcao, El Yam Kancepolsky, Roei Alkukin (Stav Toriel – 62'), Douglas Owusu (Roy Korine – 76'), Omri Altman (Mor Buskila – 73'), Emmanuel Boateng (Daniel Dappa – 73').
Referee: Aviad Shiloach at Miriam Stadium, Netanya.
Hapoel's next match will take place next Saturday (October 17), hosting Hapoel Tiberias at Bloomfield Stadium in Matchday 7 of the Winner League. The match will kick off at 18:45.
Match Log
6': Alkukin delivered a dangerous low cross, but it was cut out by Shai Ben David, who deflected it behind for a corner.
10': Goal! Hapoel Tel Aviv takes a 1-0 lead: Douglas Owusu received the ball and curled a tremendous strike past Daniel Tenenbaum, who dived well but could not keep out the thunderous effort.
26': Coco broke into the penalty area and squared the ball to Leliendal, but the defender failed to get a clean strike and was blocked.
49': Altman fired from outside the box; the ball was parried by Tenenbaum and fell to Chico, who struck toward the corner, but the goalkeeper reacted to tip it behind for another corner.
54': Goal! Hapoel Tel Aviv makes it 2-0: El Yam Kancepolsky dispossessed the opposing defender and squared to Emmanuel Boateng, who rolled the ball into an empty net.
58': Goal! Hapoel Tel Aviv makes it 3-0: What a stunning strike! Omri Altman stepped up to take a free kick and curled a wonderful ball straight into the top corner, leaving Daniel Tenenbaum helpless against the spectacular finish.
90+4': The hosts pulled one back from the penalty spot. 3-1 to Hapoel at full time.