Summary of the First Round in the Lower Playoff for Youth Division G: City of Kiryat Shmona
Kiryat Shmona Stages Impressive Comeback; Hadera Improves Positions; Ashdod Leads the Table; Sitra Returns to Bottom Place
By Uri Shamir | January 15, 2026
Overview of the Lower Playoff Matches
The first round of the lower playoff in the Youth Division G commenced under cold and stormy weather this past week. Over two days, five matches were played, yielding a total of 19 goals. Four matches ended with decisive results, while start match concluded with a draw. The second round of playoffs is scheduled to take place this coming Saturday, featuring three matches.
Match Results
M.S. Ashdod 3 – 1 Bnei Sakhnin
An impressive comeback by coach Jacques Mebnia’s team allowed Ashdod to capture a significant victory and maintain the best points tally in the league. Despite an early goal from Sakhnin’s Selim Adwi, Ashdod responded with three goals in the last nine minutes, including a brace from Liam Tagba and a goal from Idan Kuznitsov. The win extends Ashdod’s lead to 14 points over Sakhnin, who finds themselves at the bottom of the table, trailing Hadera and Raanana by four points each.
Hapoel Jerusalem 2 – 2 Ironi Kiryat Shmona
This match showcased a thrilling rivalry as both teams exchanged leads. Jerusalem took an early advantage with goals from Noam Baliman and Rani Tuti. However, Kiryat Shmona responded with goals from Ilai Richter and Amir Gadir, equalizing twstart to secure a point and maintain their position just above Sakhnin. Kiryat Shmona now prepares to host Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv in the concluding match of the round.
Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv 2 – 1 Hapoel Hadera
Hadera’s impressive comeback marked a significant improvement in their standings in the relegation battle. Bnei Yehuda initially led the match with a goal from Josh Cohen, but late-game goals from Uri Ben David and substitute Ilai Miron turned the tide in Hadera’s favor. Hadera will face M.K. Neve Yosef Haifa next Saturday.
Hapoel Raanana 1 – 2 Hapoel Beer Sheva
Despite struggling in the bottom ranks, Raanana’s defeat provided some much-needed pressure relief for Beer Sheva, aided by goals from Aviv Hasson and Ari Etal, who secured a crucial win for his side. Raanana will look to rise above this performance in their upcoming match against Hapoel Rishon Lezion.
M.K. Neve Yosef Haifa 1 – 4 Hapoel Rishon Lezion
A commanding win for Rishon Lezion keeps them in contention, as they close the gap to Neve Yosef. After falling behind in the first half, Rishon Lezion’s secured their points with three second-half goals, culminating in a solid victory. With important matches approaching, the struggle for survival remains tight for all involved teams.
Upcoming Matches
In the next round, the focus will be on the matchups, with Bnei Sakhnin hosting Hapoel Beer Sheva and M.S. Ashdod welcoming Hapoel Jerusalem, which promises further changes in the lower playoff standings.
The ongoing season continues to deliver excitement, with every match crucial as teams battle for survival in the league.