Maccabi Haifa claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Bnei Sakhnin in the Toto Cup Ligat Al regular season on Friday evening. The match concluded in the fifth round of competition at the host club's ground. Silva Kani's strike in the fifty-fifth minute proved decisive in what was otherwise a cagey affair.
A. Taha picked up a yellow card for Bnei Sakhnin fourteen minutes in, suggesting an early edge to proceedings. The hosts dominated possession at 38 per cent but struggled to create meaningful chances. Maccabi Haifa controlled the tempo with 62 per cent of the ball.
Silva Kani's goal came shortly after the interval when the game felt to open. By then, Maccabi had already registered eight shots off target against just two on target for their opponents. The visitors' efficiency contrasted sharply with Bnei Sakhnin's inability to test their goalkeeper consistently.
Maccabi introduced Carlitos in the sixty-third minute as they looked to see out the result. Bnei Sakhnin brought on M. Sheikh Yosef shortly after in a bid to find an equaliser. K. Gorre was substituted for the hosts in the eighty-fourth minute.
The statistics told a story of one-sided dominance without a corresponding scoreline. Maccabi Haifa registered 84 attacks compared to 53 for Bnei Sakhnin, yet only managed two shots on target. The visitors earned twelve corners against just one for the hosts, suggesting sustained pressure.
This result breaks Bnei Sakhnin's recent poor run, having lost four of their last five fixtures across all competitions. Maccabi Haifa's form remains erratic with results ranging from 4-2 victories to 3-3 draws. The victory leaves them with momentum heading into the next round.