Maccabi Kiryat Malakhi and Hapoel Mahane Yehuda played out a 1:1 draw in the South division of Liga Alef on Thursday. The match ended level after both sides found the net in the second half. It was a result that kept both teams in their respective positions.
Y. Nir broke the deadlock for the home side in the 55th minute. Maccabi had been probing for an opening, and the break came from their sustained pressure. The goal gave the hosts a lead they would not surrender before the final whistle.
G. Cohen levelled the score for Hapoel in the 71st. The visitors had been content to let the game flow and waited for their moment. When it came, they took advantage with a well-taken goal that shifted the momentum.
Maccabi dominated possession with 44 per cent to Hapoel's 56, though the home side registered more attacks at 90 against 67. The visitors were more clinical in front of goal, landing six shots on target to Maccabi's four. Hapoel also picked up two yellow cards while the hosts stayed clean.
The draw leaves Maccabi Kiryat Malakhi fifth in the table with 35 points from 22 games. They have won ten, drawn five and lost seven so far this season. The result means neither side moved significantly in the standings, but the point shared could prove valuable as the campaign progresses.