Bnei Sakhnin's efforts yesterday to secure a ticket to Europe were marred by fans who booed during a moment of silence in memory of the yeshiva students murdered Thursday. The Israel Football Association called for the moment of silence. Sakhnin spokesman Mundar Haleileh insisted his club honored the moment of silence, "but we don't have full control over all fans. The association made the decision, and perhaps mixing politics with soccer is a matter to be discussed." The game ended in a 1-1 draw.
Sakhnin midfielder Khaled Khalaula commented, "It's a shame the crowd acted like this and didn't stand for the moment of silence." Team chair Mazen Genaim congratulated "the majority" who did honor the gesture, "but there was a handful of people frustrated socioeconomically, and the stands are a place for them to unleash their frustration."
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With Sakhnin out of the State Cup and unable to challenge for the league lead, only 2,000 fans attended. The team looked tired and unable to focus, particularly in the first half when Itay Shechter gave Netanya a 1-0 lead in the 33rd minute. However, the team that wants a place in next year's UEFA Cup pulled itself together, as Basem scored the equalizer in the 60th minute.
Netanya skipper Reuven Atar said of the game, "We deserved victory but it didn't happen." Having failed to defeat Sakhnin for the third time this season he added, "Collecting points against Sakhnin doesn't work for us." Sakhnin's coach Elisha Levy said he was "very satisfied" with his team's performance.
KIRYAT SHMONA 2, BNEI YEHUDA 0 Kiryat Shmona continues to roll, and this week it was Bnei Yehuda's turn to lose. The northerners didn't cut a break to their opponents, who are fighting off relegation. After a dull first half, Guy Tzarfati and Yero Bello both struck to end any speculation of a draw. Ran Ben Shimon, Kiryat Shmona's coach said, "We came out in the second half like a cannon. The victory puts Ben Shimon's club in strong position to qualify for European competition next year.
HAP. KFAR SAVA 3, MAC. HERZLIYA 3 Kfar Sava needed a dramatic 90th minute goal by Samuel Yeboah to salvage a tie with Herzliya after having blown a 2-0 lead. Herzliya's hero was Tomer Hemed, the transfer from Maccabi Haifa who nailed a hat trick in the second half.
The first half was all Kfar Sava, which took its commanding two-goal lead behind goals from Ben Luz and Guillermo Israilevich. However, Hemed put Herzliya back in the match in the 46th minute, then added goals in the 66th and 79th minutes. The saving grace for Kfar Sava came when a mixup in the penalty area allowed Liron Zarko to find Yeboah just five meters from goal.
ASHDOD SC 3, MAC. PETAH TIKVA 0 Ashdod has looked like a totally new team since Jacky Ben-Zaken sunk millions of shekels to bring back Moshe Ohayon and sign Dimitar Makriev. The team made quick work of Maccabi Petah Tikva yesterday. "I've believed the whole way we can stay in the league," said Ben Zaken yesterday. "I'm glad the money I spent is finally bearing fruit."
Up 1-0 after just two minutes, Makriev practically put the game out of hand in the 69th minute, scoring off a pass from Adir Tubul. Ohayon put on the finishing touches in the 90th minute with a deep pass to Idan Shriki, who made netted the final goal.
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