San Ġiljan ASC secured their spot in the next phase of the European Aquatics Challenger Cup, joining fellow Maltese side Sliema, after overcoming a tough challenge from Israeli opponents Hapoel Palram Zvulun with a 14-10 victory at the Cottonera Sports Complex on Sunday.

Following a defeat on Saturday, the Saints needed a decisive win to ensure progression in the European club competition.

The match remained closely contested through the first half. San Ġiljan started fast with goals from Matthew Zammit and Jeremy Abela, taking a narrow 4-3 lead after the first session. The second session was equally balanced, with six goals shared, leaving San Ġiljan just one goal ahead at the interval, 7-6. Darren Zammit, Marko Vavic, and Ben Plumpton netted for the Saints in this period.

The turning point came in the third session when the Maltese side significantly raised their game. San Ġiljan dominated the period, scoring five times, including a crucial hat-trick from Nikolai Zammit, alongside goals from Matthew Zammit and Darren Zammit.

Maintaining control in the final session, goals from Vavic and Russell Caruana sealed the 14-10 win, giving San Ġiljan their second victory of the tournament and securing their qualification berth. Darren Zammit and Nikolai Zammit finished as the top scorers for San Ġiljan with three goals each.