Sliema ASC secured their place in the next round of the European Aquatics Challenger Cup with an impressive 19–13 victory over Maltese rivals San Ġiljan at the National Pool.

The Blues set the tone early with a dominant opening session, storming to a 7–2 lead that left San Ġiljan chasing the match from the outset. With momentum firmly on their side, Sliema controlled proceedings throughout to claim their second consecutive win in Group A.

Sam Engerer was the standout performer, delivering a sensational six-goal display that powered Sliema to a guaranteed top-two finish in the group.

San Ġiljan’s hopes of progressing now rest on tomorrow’s fixtures, with the side needing a win against Israeli outfit Hapoel Palram Zvulum in the 9am fixture at the Cottonera Sports Complex.

Sliema, meanwhile, can seal top spot in Group A by defeating APOEL Nicosia in their concluding group match at 10:30am.

Match Summary

First Session — Sliema 7–2 San Ġiljan
Sliema exploded out of the blocks, finding the net through doubles from Liam Galea and Engerer, plus goals from Elijah Schembri, Jake Cachia, and Jamie Gambin.
San Ġiljan replied through Nikolai Zammit (2) and Ben Plumpton.

Second Session — Sliema 5–4 San Ġiljan
The second session was more competitive, but Sliema still edged it to lead 12–7 at halftime.
Julian Chircop, Dino Zammit, Gambin, Engerer, and Cachia struck for Sliema, while Marko Vavic scored twice for San Ġiljan with additional goals from Matthew Zammit and Gabriel Bonavia.

Third Session — Sliema 3–3 San Ġiljan
The balance continued as both sides shared six goals.
Engerer added two more to his tally, with Dino Zammit scoring the third for Sliema.
San Ġiljan’s replies came through a Nikolai Zammit penalty, Nico Schiavone, and Jeremy Abela.

Final Session — Sliema 4–3 San Ġiljan
Sliema managed their lead professionally in the closing minutes, adding goals from Engerer, Cachia, Chircop, and Jayden Cassar.
San Ġiljan netted through Dean Bugeja, Plumpton, and Abela.

With their qualification now sealed, Sliema shift focus to claiming top spot, while San Ġiljan face a must-win scenario to stay alive in the competition.