Hapoel Beersheba captured the 2025/26 Israel Football League Championship as it defeated Maccabi Tel Aviv 4-2, while Beitar Jerusalem played to a goalless draw at Hapoel Petah Tikva.
Beersheba opened the scoring when it was issued a penalty after handball in the box by Ali Camara that Igor Zaltanovic slotted home in the 18th minute, while just minutes later, Djibril Diop committed the same infraction that allowed Dor Peretz to score from the penalty spot as well and draw even at 1-1.
Kings Kangwa broke the deadlock as Amir Ganach set up the Zambian, but Issouf Sissokho sent Kerwin Andrade a gorgeous through ball as the Venezuelan beat ’keeper Ofir Marciano to draw Maccabi even and send the contest into halftime all knotted up at 2-2.
As both squads looked to break the deadlock, the Southern Reds finally did exactly that as Javon East set Zahi Ahmed for what could have been the easiest goal of his career in the 77th minute, while just minutes later, captain Miguel Vitor headed home a marker to give Beersheba the win and the league title.
Next up for Beersheba is its final game of the league season on Saturday night when it hosts Maccabi Haifa, which will be followed up by a State Cup final clash against the same Maccabi Tel Aviv at Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem on Tuesday.
Coach Ran Kozuk, elated after reciting a verse from the Bible and thanking God, said after the match: “It’s an incredible feeling, the intensity here is unbelievable, I still can’t process it. We worked hard for this. From Alona Barkat, the owner, through the professional staff and the medical team, it’s a truly extraordinary accomplishment. This club is a family.
A wonderful sporting battle
“We could have looked for excuses, but we chose not to do that and not to focus on things beyond our control. We knew how to come into these tense last few matches and deliver.”
Chairman of the Professional Football Leagues Administration Erez Kalfon said: “Congratulations to Hapoel Beersheba, to owner Alona Barkat, to coach Ran Kozuk and his staff, the players and the fans.”
Shino Zoaretz, Chairman of the Israel Football Association, also commented.
“Congratulations to Hapoel Beersheba on an impressive achievement in winning a sixth championship title. Full credit goes to owner Alona Barkat, coach Ran Kozuk, the players, the men and women of the club, and of course the tens of thousands of supporters who push the team toward professional and social excellence.
At the end of a wonderful sporting battle, full compliments as well to runners-up Beitar Jerusalem for a thrilling and high-quality football season.”
Beitar Jerusalem and Hapoel Petah Tikva played to nil-nil as the capital city side’s championship quest came to an end. The yellow-and-black will finish off the 2025/26 campaign on Saturday night when it hosts Hapoel Tel Aviv.
Barak Itzhaki, Beitar’s coach, spoke about the season that was.
“I want to thank everyone and all of the fans as to how much we all felt about this season. They pushed us so hard, and there are really no words that can describe how we all feel. I told the players after the game that I am proud of them as to how they conducted themselves all season long and that they should hold their heads high as to how everyone will remember this team.”
‘We had an incredible season and one that was as good as any’
Jerusalem captain Yarden Shua also reflected on the campaign.
“We didn’t win the league championship, but we have to be proud of the season that we had and the character that we showed… There is no better crowd than the Beitar fans; they have gone above and beyond. The better team won the championship.
“I wouldn’t want to change anything. I think we had an incredible season and one that was as good as any for Beitar Jerusalem.”
Source:
www.jpost.com
