Maccabi-Hakoah shine in Easts major semi-final

Maccabi Hakoah FC’s men’s division 2 side have booked their place in the Eastern Suburbs Football Association 2026 grand finals by winning a major semi final 2-1 last Saturday at Coral Sea Park against Maroubra United.

As Maroubra had pipped them for the minor premiership on net goal difference – after Maccabi were upset by a lowly ranked team in the last regular season game – the men in sky blue had a point to prove against them.

But the semi-final did not start well for Maccabi, as a defensive error resulted in a simple goal by Maroubra in the first 10 minutes.

To their credit, the Maccabi lads were determined to fight back against a physical and well-trained opponent.

After applying some sustained pressure in attacking raids approaching half-time, Maccabi scored an equaliser through a whole team effort, which started from a kick by keeper Adin Ephraim, continued with passes and fast running down the left flank, and finished when Joel Epshteyn slammed the ball into the back of the net.

The even battle continued in the second half, with both sides having their chances.

But it was Epshteyn again – who has been in top form in the last two months – who scored what turned out to be the winning goal, deftly turning inside the box to create the space to boot the ball past the keeper.

The team defended solidly from then on, Kevin Geller, Adi Borowsky and Max Ephraim remained rock solid, and Ephraim made several crucial saves.

Jordan Besser and Lordan Proskewitz, along with Giora Glick, did a superb job in the last 20 minutes, chasing every ball as hard as they could.

The club’s administrator Mick Vasin said it was one of their best wins in years, and earns them this weekend off to prepare for the grand final on September 12 against the winner of this Saturday’s preliminary final.

“They had been playing some beautiful football in seven of their past eight games, and this game was really one to watch.

“It was exciting and of high quality, and I am just proud and happy for the boys – they deserve it.

“Special mention to midfielder Dan Engelman, who also coaches and manages the team.”