Israeli Premier League: Kangwa’s late assist keeps Hapoel Be’er Sheva in title race

Kings Kangwa’s corner kick led to a crucial 90th minute winning goal for Hapoel Be’er Sheva, who remain within a point of top spot in the Israeli Premier League following Wednesday’s 1-0 victory at Maccabi Haifa.

The Zambian whipped in his service to the far post, where Jamaican striker Javon East stopped down to head in the crucial goal and spark celebrations from the traveling support at the Sammy Ofer Stadium in Haifa.

Israeli Premier League contenders continue important and busy stretch

A slip in form from last season’s runners-up had allowed Beitar Jerusalem to snatch first place over the last few weeks, but an important result away from home could spark Hapoel into action.

The club have now achieved back-to-back wins during a busy stretch of eleven games in a month’s span that includes a massive clash at Beitar on May 12. Five rounds remain for the club in the league before they face Maccabi Tel Aviv in the State Cup final on May 26.

After an even, but scoreless first half, the visitors dominated possession but had a difficult time creating clear opportunities. With stoppage time approaching, however, the Maccabi defense suffered a lapse in concentration to allow the title hopefuls to escape with the full three points.

 

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For Kangwa, it is his first goal contribution in five matches. He now has 10 goals and 6 assists in 29 league matches this season.

The reigning Foreign Player of the Year in the Premier League will look to embark on another rich vein of form. There is little time to rest for Hapoel, who must maintain their focus in another away test in the league’s Championship Phase at Hapoel Petah Tikva on Saturday before the all-important clash with leaders Beitar next Tuesday.