Israel round-up: Ayegbini steals the show

An 86th-minute winner from Yakubu Ayegbini gave Maccabi Haifa the points after a seven-goal thriller against Hapoel Ironi Rishon.

Early mistake
In a rescheduled match from the second round of Israeli league matches, Haifa bounced back in style from Saturday’s 4-0 defeat by Beitar Jerusalem. They could have been behind in the first minute though after a mistake by goalkeeper Dudu Awat let in Shai Holtzman, only for Eric Ejiofor to clear off the line.

Cohen opener
Haifa took the lead two minutes later through Rafi Cohen’s delightful chip. Then, in the 16th minute, Ejiofor failed to clear what seemed like a simple ball allowing Vitali Komrenitzki to level the score. Two minutes later the visitors were in front as Haim Hadgug chested the ball into the path of Andrei Zabialov and his shot was palmed by Awat into his own net.

Penalty converted
The score was level again on 34 minutes when Michael Zandberg sent a header inside the post. Haifa then went in front once more through Alon Harazi’s diving header four minutes later. Haifa were 3-2 up at the break but after the interval, Ironi Rishon stepped up a gear. They restored parity in the 66th minute when Holtzman converted a penalty after being fouled in the area.

Late drama
With both sides cancelling each other out in the closing stages, Haifa sent on Ayegbini to try and find a winner. With time running out, Rosso's through-ball was tapped by Cohen into the path of the Nigerian who found the back of the net from close range.