Maccabi Kabilio Jaffa 1-3 Ironi Modiin — Ironi Modiin produced a ruthless away performance to beat Maccabi Kabilio Jaffa 3-1 in the Israel Cup on Thursday, 29 October 2026, booking their place in the next round with a victory built on quick transitions and clinical finishing.

Match overview

Ironi Modiin started with intent and were rewarded for their early pressing when Yonatan Peretz opened the scoring. The visitors remained the more dangerous side throughout the first half, doubling their lead through Omer Azulay before Maccabi Kabilio Jaffa found a response after the break. Aviram Cohen's header gave the home side hope, but Ironi Modiin managed the game well and sealed the tie late on when Peretz struck again on the counter. The scoreline reflected the away side's efficiency in front of goal and Maccabi's difficulty in turning possession into clear chances.

Key moments

• 12th minute: Ironi Modiin won the ball high up the pitch and Peretz finished calmly to make it 1-0.
• 34th minute: Azulay doubled the lead with a low drive from the edge of the area after a neat passing move.
• 55th minute: Maccabi Kabilio Jaffa pulled one back when Cohen headed home from a deep cross.
• 78th minute: Peretz restored the two-goal cushion, finishing a swift counter-attack to complete his brace and end the home side's comeback hopes.

Tactical story

Ironi Modiin set up in a compact 4-2-3-1 and looked to press at the right moments rather than chase the ball relentlessly. That approach worked perfectly against a Maccabi Kabilio Jaffa side that wanted to play out from the back but often left space behind its full-backs. The visitors' midfield screened the central areas well and released Peretz into the channels, while Maccabi's best spells came from set pieces and crosses. Once Ironi Modiin restored their two-goal lead, they dropped slightly deeper and protected the penalty area with discipline.

Standout players

Peretz was the clear match-winner, with two well-taken goals and constant movement that unsettled the Maccabi defence. Azulay controlled the tempo in midfield and capped his performance with the second goal, while Ironi Modiin goalkeeper Daniel Bar-On made two important saves at 1-0 and 2-1 to preserve his side's advantage. For Maccabi Kabilio Jaffa, Cohen's header was the highlight of a committed but ultimately frustrating evening.

Cup impact

The Israel Cup result sends Ironi Modiin into the next round with momentum and a clear template for knockout football: stay compact, break quickly, and take key chances. For Maccabi Kabilio Jaffa, the exit is a disappointment, but the performance offered enough attacking moments to suggest they can respond in league competition. Ironi Modiin's reward is a place in the draw for the following stage, where their counter-attacking style could make them a dangerous opponent.