The Maltese senior men’s national waterpolo team secured a resounding 29-13 victory over Portugal in the first of a three-match international friendly series held at the Cottonera Sports Complex on Thursday, December 18, 2025 (p. 1). These matches serve as vital preparation for the upcoming 2026 European Water Polo Championships in Belgrade, for which Malta has already qualified.

Malta dominated the match from the outset, leading to a substantial 16-point final margin. The home side showcased impressive scoring depth, with goals coming from nearly every player on the roster.

Top Scorers

Malta (MLT – White Caps)
Stevie Camilleri led the scoring for Malta with an outstanding five goals, continuing his role as a key leader for the national side (p. 1). Other notable scorers included:

• Liam Galea: 4 goals (p. 1)
• Jake Muscat Melito: 4 goals (p. 1)
• Jeremy Abela: 3 goals (p. 1)
• Matthew Zammit: 2 goals (p. 1)
• Nikolai Zammit: 2 goals (p. 1)
• Benji Cachia: 2 goals (p. 1)
• Jake Bonavia: 2 goals (p. 1)
• Darrin Zammit: 1 goal (p. 1)
• Mark Castillo: 1 goal (p. 1)

Portugal (POR – Blue Caps)
For Portugal, Pedro Camargo was the top scorer with four goals (p. 1). Ricardo Teixeira, Diogo Pinto, Salvador Lopes, and Luis Moreira each netted three goals in a difficult outing for the visitors (p. 1).

Match Details

The friendly was officiated by referees Massimo Angileri and Ronnie Spiteri (p. 1). Both referees are highly respected Maltese international officials who frequently represent Malta in European competitions.

Malta will continue their preparation series with the second friendly match scheduled for Friday, December 19, 2025, at the National Pool.