Hapoel Kfar Saba 3–1 Hapoel Afula
Israel Ligat Leumit Toto Cup, 31 July 2026

Match Overview

Hapoel Kfar Saba secured a convincing 3–1 victory over Hapoel Afula in the Israel Ligat Leumit Toto Cup, advancing to the next phase of the domestic cup competition. The home side’s early intensity and clinical finishing proved too much for their visitors, who fought back but ultimately fell short.

First‑Half Frenzy

Kfar Saba started with a high tempo, pressing Afula from the kick‑off. They took the lead in the 8th minute when a midfield runner latched onto a through ball and calmly slotted past the goalkeeper. The second goal came just five minutes later from a corner, where a towering header powered into the net. Afula struggled to handle the home side’s sharp movement, and Kfar Saba added a third before half‑time with a long‑range strike that deflected off a defender.

Second‑Half Response

Hapoel Afula came out with renewed determination after the break. They pulled one back in the 52nd minute through a well‑taken penalty after a handball in the box. Despite increased possession, Afula could not find a way through again, as Kfar Saba’s defence held firm. The home goalkeeper made a crucial save from a close‑range header to preserve the two‑goal lead.

Key Players

• Kfar Saba’s attacking midfielder: Scored one goal and set up another, showing excellent vision and technical quality.
• Afula’s striker: Won and converted the penalty, and was a constant nuisance for the home defence despite limited service.
• Kfar Saba centre‑back: Dominant in the air and organised the backline effectively, especially during Afula’s second‑half pressure.

Cup Context

The Toto Cup provides an early‑season opportunity for teams in Israel’s second tier to compete for silverware and gain momentum. This win lifts Hapoel Kfar Saba into the quarter‑finals, while Hapoel Afula must regroup quickly for their league campaign. The result also highlights Kfar Saba’s potential to challenge for promotion in the Ligat Leumit.