The Challenger Cup Group B continued to produce exciting waterpolo action as Sliema and San Ġiljan recorded convincing victories over Heybeliada, while Galatasaray claimed a narrow win over San Ġiljan in a closely fought encounter.
Sliema record biggest win of the tournament
Sliema produced the largest victory of the competition so far, overpowering Heybeliada 25-11 to register their second win in the group.
Jake Cachia led the scoring with five goals, while Jayden Cassar and Aleksandar Ivović added four goals each. Sam Engerer, Liam Galea and Jamie Gambin contributed two goals apiece, while Elijah Schembri, Julian Chircop and Seb Busuttil each found the net once.
Goalkeeper Benji Busuttil also wrote his name on the scoresheet, becoming the first goalkeeper in the competition to score.
Heybeliada replied through Gidie with three goals, Demrel and Sorey with two each, while Ozkun, Gupinas, Gilsay and Koloti scored once.
San Ġiljan defeat Heybeliada
San Ġiljan also enjoyed success against the Turkish side, defeating Heybeliada 22-16 thanks to a strong offensive performance.
Ben Plumpton was San Ġiljan’s top scorer with six goals, followed by Marko Vavić with five and Jeremy Abela with four. Alika Naine scored a hat-trick, while Russell Caruana added two goals. Dean Bugeja and Shailon Cutajar Casha also got on the scoresheet.
For Heybeliada, Sinmez netted six goals, Garpunu scored three, while Gedek and Royanku added two each. Zanu, Gurpanuan, Galsoy and Sonay each contributed one goal.
Galatasaray edge thrilling contest against San Ġiljan
In another tightly contested match, Galatasaray secured their second win in the group after edging San Ġiljan 14-13 in a dramatic encounter.
The Turkish side shared the scoring responsibilities, with Gak Colak and Caner scoring two goals each, while Acar, Netta, Gulenc, Napoglu, Vulovic, Eddag and Kuloglu each added a goal.
San Ġiljan were led once again by Marko Vavić, who scored seven goals to remain the top scorer in the group. Matthew Zammit added a hat-trick, while Alika Naone, Nikolai Zammit and Nico Schiavone scored once each.
Following these results, attention now turns to the top-of-the-table clash between Sliema and Galatasaray, which is expected to be one of the decisive matches in the group stage.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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