Chipolopolo midfielder Klings Kangwa produced another influential display with an assist as Hapoel Be’er Sheva defeated Hapoel Petah Tikva 4-2 in a thrilling Israeli Premier League encounter on Saturday evening.
The victory moves Be’er Sheva to the top of the table on 72 points, opening a two-point lead after leapfrogging Beitar Jerusalem in the title race.
Kangwa played a key role in the opening goal after just eight minutes, delivering an excellent through ball to Roy Levy, who rounded the goalkeeper before finishing from close range to make it 1-0.
The Zambian international was again heavily involved in the second goal in the 36th minute, threading another incisive pass to Balatxa, whose delivery into the area was converted by East from close range.
Be’er Sheva extended their advantage deep into first-half stoppage time following a sweeping attacking move that ended with East grabbing his second of the match for a commanding 3-0 lead.
Hapoel Petah Tikva responded after the break through Yonatan Cohen’s penalty in the 54th minute before Hashim Mazal reduced the deficit further five minutes from time to set up a tense finale.
However, East completed his hat-trick in stoppage time, controlling a long pass before firing emphatically into the net to seal the win for Be’er Sheva.
Kangwa has now registered 17 goal contributions this season, scoring 10 goals and providing seven assists in an outstanding campaign for the Israeli giants.
Be’er Sheva remain firmly on course for a league and cup double, with four league matches left to play before a State Cup final showdown against Maccabi Tel Aviv on 26 May.
Their run-in includes crucial fixtures against Beitar Jerusalem, Hapoel Tel Aviv and Maccabi Haifa as the title race reaches its climax.
