The men’s Challenger Cup Quarter Finals line-up has now been confirmed
The final day of qualification matches in Malta and Slovakia brought high drama, as eight teams secured their spots in the men’s Challenger Cup Quarter Finals. Vitoria Sport Clube, EVK Zaibas, and Clube Fluvial Portuense clinched decisive victories to join GZC Donk, ZV De Zaan, Sliema ASC, KVP Novaky, and VK Ljubljana Slovan in the next stage.
Group A – Malta
- GZC Donk (NED) 9pts
- Vitoria Sport Clube (POR) 6pts
- Cetus Espoo (FIN) 3pts
- Welsh Wanderers (GBR) 0pts
GZC Donk dominated Group A, concluding with a convincing 17-8 win over Cetus Espoo. Leading from the first minute, the Dutch side maintained their flawless record. Guus Van Ijperen and Jorn Winklehorst, who scored five each, were pivotal. Vitoria Sport Clube secured second place, defeating Welsh Wanderers 25-6, with standout performances from Pedro Sousa and Rui Ramos.
Group B – Slovakia
- ZV De Zaan (NED) 9pts
- EVK Zaibas (LTU) 6pts
- Hapoel Palram Zvulun (ISR) 3pts
- Apoel Nicosia (CYP) 0pts
EVK Zaibas battled past Hapoel Palram Zvulun 12-10 in a nail-biting encounter that saw numerous lead changes. Ivan Krapic’s double and Jan Bakulo’s top-corner strike were crucial for Zaibas. ZV De Zaan, already qualified, cruised past Apoel Nicosia 21-2, demonstrating their attacking prowess with all outfield players scoring.
Group C – Malta
- Sliema ASC (MLT) 9pts
- Clube Fluvial Portuense (POR) 6pts
- Carouge Natation (SUI) 3pts
- Hapoel Tel Aviv (ISR) 0pts
Hosts Sliema ASC completed their group stage with a 16-5 victory over Carouge Natation. Liam Galea and Dino Zammit shone as Sliema maintained their unbeaten record. Clube Fluvial Portuense secured the second spot by overpowering Hapoel Tel Aviv 14-8, thanks to Tiago Paraty’s four goals.
Group D – Slovakia
- KVP Novaky (SVK) 9pts
- VK Ljubljana Slovan (SLO) 6pts
- RD Mouscronnois (BEL) 3pts
- Limassol NC (CYP) 0pts
KVP Novaky topped Group D after a thrilling 14-10 win against VK Ljubljana Slovan, led by Patrik Tisaj’s seven-goal masterclass. Earlier, RD Mouscronnois defeated Limassol NC 19-10, avoiding last place with Alexander Grman scoring five.
The Quarter Finals now await, promising more intense showdowns in the race for the Challenger Cup title.