Maccabi Kabilio Jaffa U19 vs Hapoel Kfar Shelem U19 on 24 January
On January 24th, 2026, the U19 Liga Leumit South promises a thrilling clash as Maccabi Kabilio Jaffa U19 faces Hapoel Kfar Shelem U19. Both teams will be eager to continue their push for league supremacy, but the outcome of this encounter could have significant implications for their aspirations. A win for either side will provide a huge boost in the race for higher positions in the league standings, while a loss could derail their momentum. With stakes high and the energy of youth football in full swing, the stage is set for an intense, tactical battle.
Maccabi Kabilio Jaffa U19: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Maccabi Kabilio Jaffa U19 enters this match with solid form, having gone undefeated in their last five league matches. With a balanced approach, they have proven to be efficient both in attack and defense, boasting a robust possession game that leans heavily on their midfield dominance. Their average possession rate stands at 55%, with a remarkable 84% pass accuracy, a clear indication of their controlled build-up play. The team’s 4-3-3 formation is designed to control the tempo, with the central midfield trio being pivotal. The wingers are instructed to cut inside frequently, allowing their full-backs to overlap and add width, ensuring Maccabi’s offensive game remains unpredictable. Defensively, their pressing game has been impressive, with an average of 22 pressing actions per match, ranking them among the league's top sides for intensity without the ball. Key Player: Midfielder Daniel Baruch has been instrumental in orchestrating play from the middle of the park. His ability to distribute passes with precision has been a cornerstone of their success. On the defensive side, central defender Shimon Cohen has emerged as a leader, consistently winning aerial duels and maintaining composure in key moments. Both are expected to be crucial for Maccabi’s hopes of victory. However, the team will miss the presence of their star winger, Oren Azulay, who is sidelined with a minor injury. Azulay’s pace and flair on the left flank will be sorely missed, and it will be interesting to see how coach Avi Cohen adapts his attacking game without him.
Hapoel Kfar Shelem U19: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Hapoel Kfar Shelem U19 has shown a commendable run of form, with three wins and two draws in their last five games. Their tactical setup is typically more direct, with a 4-4-2 formation that relies on quick transitions and long balls to exploit the space behind opposition defenses. They average a slightly lower 50% possession rate but make up for it with exceptional counter-attacking efficiency. Hapoel’s pressing has been less aggressive than Maccabi’s, focusing more on strategic interceptions rather than high-pressure pressing. The defensive line is typically well-organized, but their vulnerability arises when transitioning from defense to attack. Their midfield is solid but lacks the creative spark that Maccabi’s possesses. Hapoel tends to rely on the individual brilliance of their forwards to finish chances created through fast breaks. Key Player: Striker Noam Levy has been in sensational form, scoring four goals in his last five appearances. His ability to hold up the ball and bring others into play will be crucial, especially as Maccabi’s defense will look to isolate him in one-on-one situations. Also, Hapoel’s goalkeeper, Oren Tzukrel, has been a standout performer, boasting an impressive save percentage of 82%. His shot-stopping ability will be tested under pressure in this match. Despite their good form, Hapoel will be without their influential central midfielder, Amir Ben Shimon, who is suspended after accumulating too many yellow cards. Ben Shimon's absence will likely disrupt Hapoel’s midfield control and force them to rely more on their counter-attacking style.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
The previous encounters between Maccabi Kabilio Jaffa U19 and Hapoel Kfar Shelem U19 have been tightly contested affairs. In their last five meetings, Maccabi holds the upper hand with two wins, two draws, and one loss. These matches have often been low-scoring, with neither team scoring more than two goals in a game, highlighting the tactical nature of their clashes. A consistent trend in these fixtures is Maccabi's ability to control possession and force Hapoel to defend deep. However, Hapoel has managed to capitalize on set pieces and quick counters, often exploiting Maccabi’s occasional defensive lapses. This match will likely see similar dynamics, with Maccabi seeking to dominate the ball, while Hapoel looks to hit on the break.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
1. **Midfield Battle: Daniel Baruch vs. Hapoel's Central Midfielders** The clash between Maccabi’s playmaker Daniel Baruch and Hapoel’s central midfielders will be crucial. Baruch’s passing range and vision will test Hapoel’s ability to disrupt his rhythm. If Baruch can dictate the tempo, Maccabi will have the upper hand. However, if Hapoel's midfielders can close him down quickly and disrupt his flow, they can nullify much of Maccabi's attacking threat. 2. **Noam Levy vs. Maccabi’s Defensive Pairing** Noam Levy’s ability to hold the ball and make quick runs behind the defense will be a test for Maccabi’s central defenders, especially Shimon Cohen. If Levy can pull Maccabi’s defenders out of position, it could create space for his teammates to exploit. Conversely, if Cohen can win duels with Levy and prevent him from receiving the ball in dangerous areas, Maccabi’s defensive solidity could shine through. 3. **Full-backs and Wingers** With Maccabi’s full-backs often overlapping and Hapoel’s wingers looking to break quickly, the battle between these wide players will be fascinating. Maccabi’s left-back, Yonatan Amar, will need to provide defensive stability while also supporting the attack. For Hapoel, right-winger Lior Naim’s pace will be key, especially in exploiting the spaces left by Amar’s attacking runs.
Match Scenario and Prediction
This match is likely to be a tactical battle, with Maccabi looking to control possession and dictate the tempo. Hapoel, on the other hand, will rely on their quick counter-attacks and set-piece threats to unsettle Maccabi’s defensive line. The key moments will come when Maccabi has the ball in the final third, and they will need to be patient against Hapoel's disciplined defense. Given the tactical styles of both teams, I predict a 2-1 win for Maccabi Kabilio Jaffa U19. They have the superior control of the ball and have shown more consistency in their attacking play, despite the absence of Azulay. Hapoel’s counter-attacks will likely cause problems, but without Ben Shimon in the middle, their creative edge may be dulled, making it harder to break down Maccabi's defense.
Final Thoughts
The outcome of this clash will come down to whether Maccabi Kabilio Jaffa U19 can break down Hapoel Kfar Shelem U19's defensive resilience and if the visitors can exploit the spaces left behind when Maccabi pushes forward. With Maccabi’s possession-heavy approach likely to be tested by Hapoel’s dangerous counters, the match promises to be a tactical masterpiece. Will Maccabi continue their march toward the top of the league, or will Hapoel’s counter-attacks prove too much to handle? This encounter will answer that question in dramatic fashion.
