Emmanuel Boateng delivered a clinical two-goal performance as Hapoel Tel Aviv secured their place in the next stage of the UEFA Conference League qualifiers after holding Bulgarian side Ludogorets Razgrad to an entertaining 2-2 draw.
The former Ghana international proved to be Hapoel’s match-winner across the two legs, finding the net in the 16th and 58th minutes to ensure the Israeli outfit advanced despite coming under sustained pressure for long spells.
Boateng handed the visitors an early advantage when he calmly converted from a Stav Turiel pass, silencing the home crowd and rewarding Hapoel’s disciplined start.
Ludogorets emerged from the interval with renewed intensity and overturned the deficit through goals from Bernard Tekpetey and Alberto Salido, leaving Hapoel staring at elimination.
However, Boateng once again rose to the occasion. The experienced forward restored parity just before the hour mark, finishing confidently to swing the momentum back in Hapoel’s favour and ultimately seal qualification.
״מגיע כבוד גדול לשחקנים״
כן משנה מה אומרים, בשיתוף RTMI 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/JHoz59hRQU
— Hapoel Tel Aviv FC (@HapoelTelAvivFC) July 31, 2026
Although Hapoel enjoyed only 37 percent possession compared to Ludogorets’ 63, they remained efficient whenever opportunities arose. The visitors produced seven attempts, five of which tested the goalkeeper, while Ludogorets managed 10 shots with the same number on target. The Bulgarian champions also dominated set pieces, winning six corners to Hapoel’s two, but they were unable to translate that territorial superiority into victory.
Boateng’s decisive brace underlined his importance to the Israeli club, with his composure in front of goal making the difference on a night when Hapoel were forced to defend resolutely for extended periods.
Having safely navigated the tie, Hapoel Tel Aviv will now shift their focus to the next qualifying hurdle, where Polish outfit GKS Katowice await in the Conference League qualifiers on August 6.
