Haifa held by Kfar Saba in six-goal thriller

Maccabi Haifa's title challenge faltered once again Monday night after the three-time champion drew 3-3 with Hapoel Kfar Saba at Kiryat Eliezer.

By ALLON SINAI
mac haifa 88 (photo credit: )
mac haifa 88
(photo credit: )
Maccabi Haifa's title challenge faltered once again Monday night after the three-time champion drew 3-3 with Hapoel Kfar Saba at Kiryat Eliezer Stadium. It's the second time this season Haifa has overcome a 2-0 deficit to take a 3-2 lead, only to concede a 90th-minute goal and end the match bitterly disappointed. Maccabi trails Betar Jerusalem by nine points in the standings and, despite having played one less game than the league leader, has still got plenty of lost ground to make up over the remainder of the season. "It's very disappointing to concede a goal after completing the comeback," Haifa coach Roni Levy said. "The teams at the top of the table are extending their lead and it's getting tougher to catch up with them." Kfar Saba climbs to sixth in the table and can also pride itself with being the second-highest scoring side in the league. Haifa dominated at the start of the match. However, Kfar Saba broke the deadlock after 40 minutes. Samuel Yeboah spun free in the Haifa box and scored from a tight angle under the body of 'keeper Nir Davidovitch. The hosts surged forward in search of an equalizer at the start of the second half, but Kfar Saba scored against the run of play. Rafael Olara brought down Yeboah in the box and Jose Duarte converted the penalty to give his side a commanding lead. Haifa had no intention of letting the precious league points slip away and three goals in 16 minutes turned the match on its head. Adoram Keisi gave the hosts hope with his header in the 68th minute. Six minutes later Maccabi had equalized thanks to another header, this time by substitute Shlomi Arbitman. Haifa's comeback was seemingly complete in the 84th minute when Roberto Colautti's shot was helped over the line by 'keeper Oshri Levi. But just like in its match against Hakoach Amidar Ramat Gan earlier in the season, Maccabi failed to hold on to the lead. Kfar Saba substitute Shalev Menashe scored seconds before the 90th minute to give his side a well-earned point.