Maccabi Ahi Nazareth edge Kafr Qasim in five-goal Leumit League thriller

Maccabi Ahi Nazareth claimed a 3-2 victory over Kafr Qasim in the Israel Leumit League on Friday, 30 October 2026, winning a breathless contest that swung one way and then the other before the home side found the decisive goal late on. The result gives Nazareth three valuable points in the promotion race and leaves Kafr Qasim reflecting on a brave attacking display that ultimately came up just short.

Played under the lights at Ilut Stadium, the match had the feel of a classic Leumit League encounter from the opening minutes: high tempo, compact defending and transitions that repeatedly turned defence into attack. Five goals, several lead changes and a tense finish made it one of the more entertaining fixtures of the round.

Match overview

Maccabi Ahi Nazareth started with purpose and were rewarded inside the first quarter of an hour. Mohammad Haddad, the home side’s most dangerous forward, opened the scoring after a flowing move down the right. The initial cross was only half-cleared, and Haddad arrived at the edge of the box to steer a low finish beyond the Kafr Qasim goalkeeper.

Kafr Qasim responded well rather than retreating. Their equaliser arrived in the 29th minute when Mahmoud Kanaan capitalised on a loose ball in the penalty area and converted from close range. That goal quietened the home crowd briefly, but Nazareth regained control before half-time. Haddad struck again in the 41st minute, this time finishing confidently after being played through by Omar Suleiman, and the home side went into the interval with a 2-1 advantage.

Key moments

• 12th minute: Mohammad Haddad gives Maccabi Ahi Nazareth the lead with a composed finish from the edge of the area.
• 29th minute: Mahmoud Kanaan equalises for Kafr Qasim after a scramble in the Nazareth box.
• 41st minute: Haddad restores the home side’s lead, converting Omar Suleiman’s through ball.
• 63rd minute: Kafr Qasim level again through Anas Masarwa, whose low shot beats the goalkeeper at the near post.
• 78th minute: Omar Suleiman scores the winner, arriving late in the box to finish a well-worked move.

Tactical story

Nazareth set up in a 4-2-3-1 shape and looked to stretch Kafr Qasim through the full-backs. Their best moments came when the wide players pinned the visiting defence back and allowed the central midfielders to push higher. Haddad’s movement between the centre-backs was a constant problem, and Suleiman’s late runs from midfield proved decisive.

Kafr Qasim, by contrast, were dangerous in transition. They defended in a compact mid-block and tried to release their wide forwards quickly after winning the ball. That approach produced two equalisers and kept the away side in the contest until the closing stages. In the end, however, Nazareth’s greater control in the final third and their ability to create one more clear chance proved the difference.

Standout performers

Haddad was the obvious headline act for Maccabi Ahi Nazareth, scoring twice and leading the line with energy throughout. Suleiman’s influence grew as the match wore on, and his winning goal capped a strong all-round midfield display. At the back, Nazareth’s defenders had to survive several uncomfortable spells but made the key clearances when it mattered.

For Kafr Qasim, Kanaan and Masarwa were the standout attacking threats. Both took their goals well and ensured the visitors remained competitive deep into the second half. Their goalkeeper also made important saves, even though he was ultimately beaten three times.

What the result means

The win strengthens Maccabi Ahi Nazareth’s position in the Israel Leumit League standings and gives them momentum ahead of a demanding run of fixtures. In a division where home form often shapes promotion ambitions, taking three points from a match that could easily have slipped away is a significant boost.

Kafr Qasim leave with no points but with plenty of encouragement from their attacking performance. They matched Nazareth for long periods and twice fought back to level the score. Turning those spirited displays into points will be the priority as the season progresses.

Match facts

• Competition: Israel Leumit League
• Result: Maccabi Ahi Nazareth 3-2 Kafr Qasim
• Date: Friday, 30 October 2026
• Decisive moment: Omar Suleiman’s 78th-minute winner