Mizrahi takes Israeli record
Sunday, April 11, 2004
Article summary
Alon Mizrahi set a new Israeli scoring record by claiming the 197th league goal of his career.
Article body
Alon Mizrahi set a new Israeli goalscoring record yesterday by netting the 197th league goal of his career during Hapoel Beer-Sheva FC's 1-0 victory over Bnei Sakhnin Club.
Sole possession
Last month the 32-year-old Mizrahi equalled the landmark of 196 set by Oded Machness which has stood for over 15 years. On Saturday, the former Israeli international took sole possession of the record when he headed an 86th-minute goal to secure victory for his club.
No retirement
It took Mizrahi 345 matches - 65 fewer then Machness - to reach the new record. After the match Mizrahi made it clear he has no intention of retiring. "I intend to play in the top flight for as long as I can," he said. "Oded Machness's reign is over, I will score a few more goals before I retire but what is important is not what I say, but the number of goals next to my name."
Next highest
Mizrahi's record will in all probablity stand for a long time. The next highest scorers on the all-time list who are still playing are Avi Nimni of Beitar Jerusalem FC (158) and FC Ashdod's Itzik Zohar (138). However both these players are also in their 30s and nearing the end of their careers.
