Harsh silence – this is how the Hapoel Haifa players described what was happening outside the locker rooms with the whistle at the end of the game against Bnei Sakhnin and the frustrating 1: 1. Elisha Levy’s players led the game and have already seen how they qualify for sixth place. But Ibrahima Conte’s equalizer significantly distanced the team from the top playoff picture.
“Only a very big miracle will bring us to the playoffs,” said a player on the team, “if we admit the truth, this time we probably finally missed out on a ticket to the top playoffs.” In Haifa, the players and coach Elisha Levy were criticized. “It can not be that we are constantly gaining the advantage and do not know how to maintain it,” said a source in the group, “no matter what we call it – naive, losers, the bottom line probably does not deserve us.”
Now the Reds will go out to a series of games against the big three, when it is clear that less than six points in these three games will not leave even a theoretical chance. Ness Zamir is expected to return to the squad after being absent yesterday due to congestion. Along with the disappointment, in Haifa we also mentioned the huge goal scored by Hanan Maman. “It’s a pity not a winning goal,” said a player on the team, “We all know Hanan’s qualities.”
Results of the 22nd round of the Premier League:
Maccabi Netanya – Hapoel Jerusalem 0: 2
tax. Ashdod – Hapoel Beer Sheva 1: 1
Hapoel Nof Hagalil – Hapoel Hadera 1: 1
Hapoel Tel Aviv – Maccabi Tel Aviv 3: 2
Hapoel Haifa – Bnei Sakhnin 1: 1
Betar Jerusalem – Maccabi Petah Tikva 1: 2
Kiryat Shmona – Maccabi Haifa (20:15, Sport1)