Introduction
The recent match between Be’er Sheva and Bnei Sakhnin on a Sunday evening not only left fans celebrating a 3:1 victory but also allowed the team and its management to breathe a sigh of relief. With this win, Be’er Sheva secured its place at the top of the league table, thanks to a better goal difference than Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Match Overview
Unlike the previous encounter between these two teams at Toto Turner Stadium last year, which ended without kick-off due to fan unrest, this match unfolded smoothly. Both sets of supporters engaged in light banter, including some unsavory songs, but thankfully, the situation did not escalate into any physical violence. This is a positive step for football culture in the region.
Performance Analysis
Be’er Sheva’s performance was marked by a strong offensive display, maintaining the excellent attacking form they exhibited in the earlier rounds of the season. The first half saw the team net three goals, effectively sealing the victory. However, head coach Ran Kožuch expressed concerns during the game, remarking, “If Sakhnin’s players were more experienced or of higher quality, they could have scored more than just one goal.”
Standout Performers
Among the stars of the match were Eliel Peretz and Dan Biton, who continued their impressive form. Biton scored his sixth goal of the season, marking an incredible streak of nine consecutive matches in which he has contributed to the team’s scoring. Peretz also celebrated a personal milestone, achieving his first league goal of the season and providing an assist.
Coach Kožuch highlighted the need for Peretz to enhance his professional and leadership skills to secure a place in the long-term squad. “I told Eliel that if he wants to play for Be’er Sheva this season, he must improve in those areas,” Kožuch explained after the match, dispelling any notions that he was hinting at Peretz’s exit.
Injury Concerns
As the match approached its conclusion, Matan Blatka signaled for a substitution due to a cramp in his quadriceps. Kožuch opted against making a change at that moment, instead introducing new signing Jibril Diop for his debut, a decision the coach described as a calculated risk.
Looking forward, Blatka and Blorian are expected to start in the upcoming away match against Maccabi Haifa at Sami Ofer Stadium. However, the team will continue to miss left-back Elder Lopes, who suffered a quadricep injury during the final training session before the match and is expected to be sidelined for approximately six weeks. In Lopes’ absence, Ofer Davidzada stepped in and performed admirably during the game against Sakhnin.
Conclusion
With a crucial match against Maccabi Haifa on the horizon, Be’er Sheva must build on the momentum from their recent victory while addressing injury issues and maintaining squad morale. The team’s ability to adapt and perform under pressure will be tested as they navigate this critical juncture in the season.
