Toama strike gives Hapoel the State Cup

Salim Toama's strike in the second minute of the State Cup final was enough for Hapoel Tel-Aviv FC to deny Maccabi Haifa FC a domestic double in Israel.

Having won the Ligat Ha'Al, Elisha Levy's Haifa were on course to emulate Hapoel's league and cup double from last season, but winger Toama's early effort was to prove the difference between the sides at the Ramat Gan National Stadium.

Eran Zahavi laid the ball on for the 31-year-old to find the target with a left-footed strike which bounced awkwardly in front of keeper Nir Davidovitch. Though Haifa dominated thereafter, they were to put little pressure on Vincent Enyeama's goal.

"We won the cup, which is a bonus after a long season," said Toama. "Haifa won the league and we won the cup. That is just reward for two great teams who were clearly the best this season."

After the game, Hapoel coach Eli Gutman announced his departure from the club, saying: "This was my final match at Hapoel, with my assistant Yossi Abuksis replacing me next season. I told my players before the match how this one was important for me and I am delighted with their response and I'm proud of them. This is a massive club and I have had an amazing three and a half years here."