Goztepe Sport Klub were crowned 2025/26 Women’s Challenger Cup champions in emphatic fashion, dismantling VK Jadran Split 16–7 in a one-sided gold medal clash in Cottonera, Malta.
From the very first sprint, the Turkish side set a relentless tempo that Jadran simply could not live with. A devastating 6–0 opening quarter effectively decided the final before it had even settled, as Goztepe combined clinical finishing with suffocating defence to take full control.
Eda Moroglu opened the scoring inside the first minute, and what followed was a statement of intent. Goztepe punished every mistake, dominated the extra-player situations, and shut down Jadran’s attack completely in the early stages. By the end of the first period, the Croatian side were already chasing shadows at 6–0 down.
Jadran’s struggles were summed up by missed opportunities at key moments, including a saved penalty and several wasted six-on-five chances. In contrast, Goztepe were ruthless. Canadian Olympian Emma Wright added to the lead from the penalty spot early in the second quarter, before Yasmin Oliveira Angelo Ferraz powered in from centre to stretch the advantage to 8–0.
It took nearly two quarters for Jadran to break through, with Lara Srhoj eventually finding the net late in the second period. She would go on to complete a hat-trick, but by then the damage was long done.
Even as Jadran showed brief signs of life, reducing the deficit to five goals in the third, Goztepe responded immediately. Oliveira Angelo Ferraz and Kubra Kus restored control, extinguishing any hopes of a comeback with composed and efficient attacking play.
Kus led from the front with five goals in a captain’s performance, while Goztepe’s defensive organisation and goalkeeping ensured there would be no late drama. Three early goals in the fourth quarter sealed the result, as the Turkish side cruised to a nine-goal victory and sparked celebrations among their travelling supporters.
The win sees Goztepe continue Türkiye’s dominance in the competition, bringing the trophy back once again after previous successes in recent editions.
Final result
VK Jadran Split 7–16 Goztepe Sport Klub
(0–6, 2–2, 2–3, 3–5)
Earlier in the day, SSV Esslingen claimed the bronze medal with a 13–10 win over Clube Fluvial Portuense, bouncing back strongly from their semi-final disappointment to secure a place on the podium.
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