Underdogs claim the Cup

Historic win
Ramat Gan became the first-ever lower division side to win the Cup, having only avoided relegation to the third division last week. Their only previous trophy came in 1964 when they won the Israeli Premier League title, but this latest triumph will see them represent Israel in next season's UEFA Cup.

Bright start
Having knocked out holders Maccabi Tel-Aviv in the semi-final, Ramat Gan began slowly and Beer-Sheva were quickly into their stride, as Ophir Haim's powerful tenth-minute header from Shuki Nagar's cross beat goalkeeper Motti Abargil. However Geva Barkai was on hand to head off the line.

Hallawani on target
Ramat Gan came more into the match as the half wore on and took the lead nine minutes into the second period when Aviv Wolnerman's pass split the Beer-Sheva defence and Ophir Hallawani kept his composure to coolly shoot beyond Assi Rachamim.

Late equaliser
As their top-flight opponents pushed further forward searching for an equaliser, Ramat Gan had two great chances to seal the win inside a minute, but neither Hallawani nor Moshe Shapira were able to convert. Those misses looked costly three minutes from time as Blessing Kaku's pass freed Haim, and the striker lifted the ball over Abargil to equalise and send the match into extra time.

Shoot-out drama
However there were no further goals, and the match went to penalties. Beer-Sheva's Rami Eliyahu missed his side's first penalty, and all five Ramat Gan players kept their composure, with Liad Tepper converting the decisive spot-kick to send his team's 4,000 fans wild with delight.