Sliema claimed a dramatic 16-15 victory over San Ġiljan in the Challenger Cup Group B, sealing the Maltese derby with a decisive goal in the dying seconds of a thrilling encounter.

The match was a closely contested affair throughout, with both sides exchanging goals and momentum in a high-intensity clash. However, Sliema managed to have the final say, scoring the winner in the closing moments to secure a narrow but important victory.

For Sliema, Liam Galea and Niccolò Gitto led the scoring with three goals each, while Dino Zammit and Sam Engerer added two goals apiece. The remaining goals came from Benji Cachia, Elijah Schembri, Aleksandar Ivović, Jake Cachia and Julian Chircop, each finding the net once.

San Ġiljan were spearheaded by Marko Vavić, who delivered an outstanding performance with seven goals. Matthew Zammit and Ben Plumpton both contributed two goals, while Aloka Naoene, Nikolai Zammit, Dino Zammit and Luigi Zammit added one goal each.

Despite San Ġiljan’s strong attacking display, Sliema’s late strike proved decisive, allowing them to emerge victorious in a gripping Maltese derby that kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.