The Malta U-16 national waterpolo team celebrated their first win at the European Championship finals on Wednesday, defeating Moldova 14-11 in Istanbul.

After tough losses to Georgia and the Netherlands, the Malta squad showed resilience and determination to close out their group stage on a high note. Leading the charge were Matthew Soler and Sebastian Van Wyk, who both found the net four times in a standout team display.

Malta got off to a fast start, building a 4-2 lead in the first quarter with goals from Soler, Van Wyk, Max Lanzon, and Jack Zammit. Moldova rallied in the second quarter, but Soler and Van Wyk struck again to keep Malta narrowly ahead at 6-5 by halftime.

The third session saw Malta pull away slightly, with goals from Soler, Lanzon, Zac Schranz, and Benjamin Lewis giving them a 10-7 advantage heading into the final quarter.

The closing stages of the game were tense, as Moldova closed the gap to 11-10. However, Malta kept their composure and sealed the win with goals from Lanzon, Soler, and a decisive brace by Van Wyk.

With this result, Malta finishes their group campaign on a positive note and will now prepare to contest the 13th-place play-off.

Well done, team Malta!