Hapoel Nof HaGalil 1-1 Kafr Qasim | Israel Leumit League | 12 May 2026, 00:20

A tightly contested affair in the Israel Leumit League ended with honours even as Hapoel Nof HaGalil and Kafr Qasim played out a 1-1 draw. Both sides had chances to win but ultimately settled for a point that keeps them in the mid-table mix with just a handful of matches remaining.

Match Overview

The game started cautiously, with both teams feeling each other out under the floodlights. Hapoel Nof HaGalil showed more intent in the opening half, controlling the midfield through Dor Elo and Shlomi Azulay. Kafr Qasim, however, grew into the contest and punished a momentary lapse in concentration just before the interval.

Key Moments

• 34’ – Hapoel Nof HaGalil break the deadlock: a swift counter-attack ends with Hen Ziv coolly slotting home from 12 yards.
• 45+2’ – Kafr Qasim equalise in first-half stoppage time through a header from Mohammed Khatib after a corner kick.
• 67’ – Hapoel's Idan Nadav hits the crossbar with a curling effort from the edge of the box.
• 82’ – Kafr Qasim's Firas Abu al-Kiyan is denied by a brilliant save from goalkeeper Ohad Cohen.
• 90+4’ – Late drama: Hapoel's Itay Manzor receives a second yellow card and is sent off, forcing the home side to finish with ten men.

Tactical Story

Hapoel Nof HaGalil employed a possession-based approach, seeking to build from the back and stretch Kafr Qasim's defence. Their goal came from a rapid transition, but they struggled to maintain that rhythm after the equaliser. Kafr Qasim, organised in a 4-4-2, stayed compact and relied on set pieces—their goal came from a well-delivered corner. The second half saw Kafr Qasim create the clearer chances, but Hapoel's defensive resilience kept them level.

Standout Players

• Hen Ziv (Hapoel Nof HaGalil) – Scored the opener and constantly threatened with runs in behind.
• Ohad Cohen (Hapoel Nof HaGalil) – Made crucial saves, especially the one in the 82nd minute to keep his team in the game.
• Mohammed Khatib (Kafr Qasim) – The towering centre-back scored the all-important equaliser and marshalled the defence well.

Table Impact

The draw leaves Hapoel Nof HaGalil in 9th place, five points adrift of the playoff spots but safe from relegation danger. Kafr Qasim sit 11th, just three points above the relegation zone, making every point precious. The sending-off for Manzor means Hapoel will be without a key midfielder for their next fixture, adding pressure to their final stretch of the season.