Israeli State Cup holder Hapoel Beer Sheva on Saturday evening won the Israeli Super Cup after a 4-3 win on penalties over league champion Maccabi Haifa after the match was tied at 1-1.
In front of 27,000 fans at Sammy Ofer Stadium in the northern city of Haifa, Maccabi’s midfielder Omer Atzili scored an impressive goal from about 20 meters just 22 seconds into the match after exchanging passes with Ali Mohamed.
Until halftime, Haifa failed to extend their advantage after squandering a number of chances.
Beer Sheva dominated the second half, and evened the score in the 70th minute by Ghanaian midfielder Eugene Ansah, who utilized a pass by Tomer Hemed.
The match went directly to the penalty shootout, in which striker Tomer Hemed, who returned to Israel after playing in England, Spain and the Australian A-League, scored the decisive fifth penalty to give Beer Sheva the title.
Maccabi Haifa will host Greek champions Olympiacos Piraeus in the second qualifying round of UEFA Champions League on Wednesday evening. ■
