Israel 2 Cyprus 1: Israel, playing a home game for the first time in almost three years, came from a goal down to defeat Cyprus last night in Tel Aviv.
Michael Konstantinou gave Cyprus the lead against the run of play on 58 minutes when he capitalised on a mix-up in the Israeli defence.
A brilliant solo goal from midfielder Yossi Benayoun, who rounded six players before shooting home from a sharp angle, restored parity eight minutes later. Walid Badir hit the winner on 74 minutes, heading home from a Yaniv Katan corner.
A disappointing crowd of only 17,000 fans turned out on the night.
ISRAEL: Davidovitch, Saban, Benado, Ben Haim, Keisi, Badir, Tal, Nimni (Balili 57), Benayoun, Katan (Gazal 83), Golan. Subs Not Used: Shtrauber, Uzan, Afek, Shivhon, Holzman. Goals: Benayoun 64, Badir 74.
CYPRUS: Panagiotou, Kakoyiannis, Nikolaou, Makrides, Theodotou (Stavros Georgiou 30), Satsias, Okkas (Yiasoumi 79), Charalambides, Michalis Konstantinou, Okkarides, Elia. Subs Not Used: Augousti, Iacovou, Michael, Constanti, Lambrou. Booked: Nikolaou, Okkarides. Goals: Michalis Konstantinou 58.
Referee: Sergey Shmolik (Belarus).
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