Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv wrapped up the Toto Cup group stage with a 2–0 win over M.S. Ashdod, as a dramatic stoppage-time goal by Ran Binyamin in the 96th minute sealed their place in the semi-final.
The Reds booked their spot in the semi-final this evening (Saturday) after defeating M.S. Ashdod in the group stage finale.
Hapoel entered the match knowing that a win, combined with dropped points by Maccabi Netanya, would secure them a place in the next round – where they will meet Hapoel Be’er Sheva.
For the first time, Bulgarian midfielder Andrian Kraev was named in the starting lineup, and it was he who initiated the move for Hapoel’s opener in the 22nd minute: a precise pass found Yazan Nassar on the left flank, who delivered a perfect cross for Daniel Dappa to slot home with a single touch – his third goal in four matches for the young signing.
Hapoel controlled the tempo and created numerous chances in the second half but couldn’t extend their lead. Meanwhile, Hapoel Jerusalem went 4–0 ahead in their match, a scoreline that would have kept Tel Aviv out of the semi-final on goal difference. Then came the drama deep into stoppage time: in the 96th minute, a fine ball from Nassar reached Dappa, who deftly chipped across to Ran Binyamin, and the striker finished calmly past the keeper to send the Reds through.
Hapoel finished top of Group B with 9 points from a possible 12 and a goal difference of 7–4.
Hapoel lineup:
Asaf Tzur, Tal Arcel (Shahar Piven – 46’), Fernand Mayembo (C), Ziv Morgan, Yazan Nassar, Lucas Falcao (El Yam Kanzpolski – 70’), Andrian Kraev (Roi Alkokin – 58’), Ari Cohen (Stav Toriel – 80’), Amit Lemkin (Ran Binyamin – 58’), Liran Rotman, Daniel Dappa
Referee: Sapir Berman | Bloomfield Stadium
Match Timeline
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6’ – Liran Rotman received an excellent pass from Dappa and found himself one-on-one with Karol Niemczycki, but the Polish keeper made a fine save.
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23’ – Goal! Hapoel Tel Aviv 1–0 Ashdod: Yazan Nassar collected the ball on the left, lifted his head, and delivered a superb cross to Dappa. The striker made a sharp run to the near post, beating both his marker Yeshilermak and Niemczycki, and finished first-time into the net – a classic striker’s goal and his third in the Toto Cup.
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54’ – Almost a second for Dappa. Hapoel broke quickly, and Dappa, at the edge of the area, curled a powerful effort just inches wide.
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71’ – Ran Binyamin’s header was denied by Niemczycki.
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87’ – Hapoel countered through Binyamin, who fed Toriel on the right, but the midfielder fired wide in a one-on-one situation.
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90+4’ – Dappa’s shot inside the box was saved by Niemczycki, and Binyamin missed the rebound from close range, hitting the side netting.
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90+6’ – Goal! Hapoel Tel Aviv 2–0 Ashdod: High drama! After Hapoel Jerusalem’s fourth goal briefly put them top of the group, Hapoel broke forward again. Dappa surged into the box from the left, outmuscled his defender, and chipped an exquisite ball to the far post, where Binyamin was waiting to volley home and send Hapoel into the semi-final.