Kiryat Gat Edges KOM Podgorica in Preseason Friendly

A tightly contested international club friendly saw Israeli side Kiryat Gat claim a 2-1 victory over Montenegro's KOM Podgorica on July 27, 2026. The match, played in a lively preseason atmosphere, offered both teams valuable minutes as they fine-tune their squads ahead of the upcoming domestic campaigns.

Match Overview

Kiryat Gat struck twice to overcome a determined KOM Podgorica side that refused to back down. The visitors showed sharper finishing in the final third, while the home team demonstrated promising build-up play that will encourage their coaching staff. The result gave Kiryat Gat a confidence-boosting win on foreign soil.

Key Moments

• First-half breakthrough: Kiryat Gat opened the scoring midway through the first period, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from KOM Podgorica. A quick counter-attack caught the home backline out of position, and the Israeli side's forward slotted home calmly.
• KOM Podgorica equalizer: The Montenegrin outfit responded well after the break, finding an equalizer through a well-worked set piece. A precise corner delivery was met with a powerful header that left the Kiryat Gat goalkeeper with no chance.
• Winning goal: Kiryat Gat retook the lead with about 20 minutes remaining. A speculative long-range effort took a deflection off a defender, wrong-footing the KOM Podgorica keeper and nestling into the bottom corner.

Tactical Notes

KOM Podgorica focused on possession-based football, attempting to build from the back and stretch the Kiryat Gat midfield. However, the Israeli side pressed aggressively when out of possession, forcing turnovers in dangerous areas. Kiryat Gat's tactical discipline and quick transitions proved decisive on the day.

Standout Players

• Kiryat Gat's No. 9: Led the line effectively, holding up play and linking with midfield runners. His movement caused problems throughout.
• KOM Podgorica's left-back: Provided energetic overlaps and delivered several dangerous crosses. Was involved in the home side's best attacking moments.

Preseason Context

For both teams, this friendly serves as a crucial building block. KOM Podgorica, preparing for their domestic league season, will look to tighten defensive organization after conceding twice. Kiryat Gat, meanwhile, will take heart from a solid away performance as they continue their preparations. The match also offered a rare international test for both sides, exposing players to different styles of play.