In a pulsating final in Istanbul on Sunday, Izmir Buyuksehir SK clinched the 2025 Challenger Cup Women title with a nail-biting 9–8 win over domestic rivals Galatasaray Zena. This hard-fought victory marks their 14th consecutive win in the competition, thanks to four goals from Danijela Jackovich and two crucial penalty saves by goalkeeper Mary Askew.

Galatasaray appeared to set the tone early, storming to a 3–0 lead with strikes from Ecehan Gokce Temel, Milana Molnar, and Alkistis Benekou. It wasn’t until just 38 seconds into the second quarter that Izmir broke through, courtesy of Kyra Christmas. Although Galatasaray’s Benekou pushed her side ahead again to a 2–4 advantage midway through the period, Jackovich’s three rapid goals swung the momentum, giving Izmir a slender 5–4 lead at the break.

The third quarter saw Izmir extend their advantage further. Eda Moroglu capitalized on a slick six-on-five play to widen the gap, while Askew’s first penalty save denied Galatasaray’s Lena Mihailovic. Even though Mihailovic pulled one back a minute later, Galatasaray’s captain Dilara Burali couldn’t equalize when her penalty attempt was once again thwarted by Askew, leaving Izmir ahead 6–5 at halftime.

The fourth quarter delivered all the drama fans could ask for. Just 40 seconds in, Galatasaray’s Elizaveta Ivanova leveled the score with a powerful shot, sparking a wave of tension among the crowd. However, Izmir’s captain Kuebra Kus responded swiftly, putting her team back in front. With a well-taken penalty from Emma Wright and Jackovich adding her fourth goal of the game, the score swelled to 9–6 with only 2:42 remaining. Late consolation goals from Temel and Benekou couldn’t alter the outcome, and Izmir’s title was sealed.

“We knew how strong Galatasaray were, so we expected a close game,” said Kus. “Despite early mistakes, our team pulled together, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved.” A jubilant Askew added, “Even when we were down, I believed we could fight back. It’s thrilling to be part of this legacy.”

In the bronze medal match, Croatia’s ZAVK Mladost secured the third spot for the second year in a row with a 15–9 victory over Serbia’s Vaterpolo Klub Vojvodina. After trailing 5–7 at halftime, Mladost surged in the second half—mounting a six-goal blitz in just over five minutes and capping the comeback with an 8–0 run in the final quarter. “We knew what this game meant and gave it our all,” said Mladost’s Nina Medic. “It feels amazing to win this medal as a young team that has worked so hard.”

2024/25 Challenger Cup Final Four Results
Sunday, 23rd February 2025

• Bronze Medal Game:
  ZAVK Mladost (CRO) 15–9 Vaterpolo Klub Vojvodina (SRB)
• Gold Medal Game:
  Izmir Buyuksehir SK (TUR) 9–8 Galatasaray Zena (TUR)

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