Hapoel Beersheba plays, rallies for draw vs APOEL

Hapoel Beersheba came back to earn a 2-2 draw with APOEL Nicosia in Turner Stadium on Thursday nigh in the first leg of the Europa League third qualifying round duel.Due to the tense security situation in the south of Israel, it was feared the game would be cancelled, but after much deliberation throughout the afternoon – and despite a request from APOEL to postpone – it was decided to hold it as scheduled.After falling behind 2-0 at home, the Israeli champion got a goal from John Ogu just before the half, and Anthony Nwakaeme equalized in the 70th minute to give Barak Bachar’s side a chance to advance heading into next week’s second leg in Cyprus.In other Europa League action, Hapoel Haifa fell 4-1 at home to Italian side Atalanta in their first leg.