

Hapoel Kfar Saba U19 2-1 Hapoel Nir Ramat Hasharon U19: Late Winner Settles Youth League Derby
Full-time: Hapoel Kfar Saba U19 2-1 Hapoel Nir Ramat Hasharon U19
Hapoel Kfar Saba U19 edged Hapoel Nir Ramat Hasharon U19 2-1 in the Israel Youth League on Saturday, 31 October 2026, with Omer Mizrahi scoring a late winner in a match that showcased the energy and intensity of youth football. The home side had to withstand a spirited second-half comeback before securing all three points.
Kfar Saba started brightly and took the lead after 12 minutes. Eyal Cohen, lively from the first whistle, timed his run into the box perfectly and slotted home from close range after a neat passing move down the right. The early goal gave the hosts confidence, and they controlled much of the first half without creating another clear-cut chance.
Match Overview: Youth Mistakes and Decisive Moments
Ramat Hasharon improved after the break and equalised in the 49th minute through Yonatan Levi, who latched onto a loose ball at the edge of the area and struck a low drive past the goalkeeper. The goal changed the momentum of the game, and for a spell the visitors looked the more likely side to score next.
Kfar Saba, however, showed composure beyond their years. They weathered the pressure, tightened their midfield and found a way back into the contest. The decisive moment came in the 84th minute when Mizrahi, who had been introduced from the bench, arrived late in the box to convert a cross from the left.
The closing minutes were tense, with Ramat Hasharon pushing for a second equaliser, but Kfar Saba’s defence held firm to protect a valuable home win.
Key Moments
- 12 minutes: Eyal Cohen gives Hapoel Kfar Saba U19 the lead with a composed close-range finish.
- 49 minutes: Yonatan Levi equalises for Hapoel Nir Ramat Hasharon U19 with a low strike from outside the box.
- 84 minutes: Omer Mizrahi scores the winner for Kfar Saba after a well-worked move down the left.
Tactical Story: Energy in Midfield
Kfar Saba’s 4-3-3 gave them control in the centre of the pitch during the first half, with their midfield trio pressing aggressively and forcing Ramat Hasharon into sideways passes. The visitors adjusted after the break, pushing their wingers higher and finding more joy in the wide areas.
The game was a reminder of how quickly momentum can shift in youth football. Kfar Saba’s ability to regain their structure after conceding was arguably the most impressive aspect of their performance, and the introduction of Mizrahi gave them a fresh attacking threat at exactly the right moment.
Standout Players
Cohen was a constant threat for Kfar Saba, while Mizrahi’s impact from the bench proved decisive. Goalkeeper Daniel Avraham also deserves credit for a couple of important saves in the second half. For Ramat Hasharon, Levi was the standout performer, driving his team forward and scoring the equaliser.
Season Impact
The win gives Hapoel Kfar Saba U19 a valuable boost in the Israel Youth League table and reinforces their reputation as a side capable of grinding out results. For Hapoel Nir Ramat Hasharon U19, the defeat is a frustrating one, but their second-half display offers encouragement for the matches ahead. In a youth league defined by development and consistency, both teams will take lessons from a competitive afternoon.