ASHDOD, Israel (Interstat) — Substitute Basam Zaarura scored twice in the second half to complete a comeback and deliver Maccabi Netanya a 3-2 victory over host Ashdod in a Liga Bet match on Sunday at Yud-Alef Stadium.

The result defied pregame projections from Interstat, whose game simulator had forecast a 1-1 draw and whose ELO system gave Ashdod a 67.5 percent probability of winning.

The match began at a furious pace, with the visitors striking first. Maccabi Netanya midfielder Karim Kimvuidi opened the scoring in the 13th minute, finishing an attacking move to give his side an early advantage.

Ashdod responded just 15 minutes later. Defender Arial Mendy found the net in the 28th minute, leveling the score at 1-1 and energizing the home supporters.

Maccabi Netanya regained the lead before halftime, however. Another substitute made an immediate impact as Maor Levi scored in the 37th minute to put the visitors back in front, 2-1. The first-half scoring was not done, as Zaarura announced his arrival with his first goal of the day just six minutes later, in the 43rd minute, extending Maccabi Netanya’s lead to 3-1 at the intermission.

The second half saw Ashdod push aggressively to get back into the match. Their persistence was rewarded in the 86th minute when Zaarura struck again, but this time into his own net, an own goal that brought Ashdod within a single score at 3-2 and set up a tense finale.

The match grew increasingly fractious as it neared its conclusion, with three yellow cards issued in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time. Maccabi Netanya’s Amit Cohen and Ashdod’s Ilay Hajaj and Nehoray Dabush were all cautioned in the chaotic final moments. Earlier bookings were given to Maccabi Netanya’s Victor Ochayi in the 21st minute and Ashdod’s Eugene Ansah in the 60th minute.

Despite intense late pressure from the hosts, Maccabi Netanya managed to see out the remaining minutes to secure the three points. The victory gives Maccabi Netanya a winning start to their Liga Bet campaign, moving their season record in the competition to 1 win and 0 losses. Their overall record across all competitions also stands at 1-0.

For Ashdod, the narrow defeat marks a disappointing beginning to their Liga Bet season, as their record in the competition falls to 0 wins and 1 loss. Their overall record also starts at 0-1.

Key performances beyond the goal scorers included assists from Maccabi Netanya’s Amit Cohen and Victor Ochayi, and from Ashdod’s Eugene Ansah, Nehoray Dabush and Ilay Hajaj, who helped create the opportunities in an open and entertaining contest.