Maccabi Bnei Reineh continued their impressive start to the season with a 4-2 home victory over Hapoel Afula in the Israel Leumit League on September 11, 2026. The hosts scored twice in each half to secure a comfortable win, with striker Yarin Hassan stealing the headlines with a superb hat-trick.

Match Overview

Bnei Reineh needed just ten minutes to open the scoring, with Hassan finishing off a flowing team move. Hapoel Afula responded well and equalised in the 25th minute through a deflected shot from outside the box. However, Bnei Reineh regained the lead just before half-time when Hassan struck again, finishing expertly from a narrow angle. The home side continued to dominate after the break and added a third in the 60th minute, Hassan completing his hat-trick with a powerful header. They made it 4-1 in the 75th minute through a wonderful solo goal from their winger. Afula scored a late consolation in the 88th minute, but it was too little, too late.

Key Moments

The turning point came just before half-time when Hassan’s second goal restored Bnei Reineh’s advantage, deflating Afula’s momentum. In the second half, Bnei Reineh’s relentless pressing forced Afula into repeated errors, and the third goal effectively ended the contest. Afula’s late goal was a brief moment of joy, but the home side’s superiority was never in doubt.

Tactical Story

Bnei Reineh lined up in a 4-2-3-1 and focused on attacking down the wings, with their full-backs providing constant overlaps. Afula struggled to deal with the crosses, and their centre-backs were caught out of position on multiple occasions. Afula’s midfield was also overrun, allowing Bnei Reineh to dominate possession and create chances at will. The visitors’ only real threat came from set pieces, but they were unable to capitalise on enough of them.

Standout Players

• Yarin Hassan (Maccabi Bnei Reineh): A stunning hat-trick, showcasing his finishing and aerial ability.
• Bnei Reineh’s winger: Scored a brilliant solo goal and tormented the Afula defence.
• Hapoel Afula’s midfielder: His deflected goal gave his side brief hope.
• Bnei Reineh’s goalkeeper: Made a crucial save at 2-1 to preserve the lead.

Season Impact

Bnei Reineh move into the promotion contention spots with this convincing win, and their attacking form will worry the rest of the division. Hapoel Afula remain mid-table but will need to tighten up defensively after conceding four goals. The Israel Leumit League is proving to be highly competitive, and Bnei Reineh’s firepower could be the difference in the race for promotion.