Malta’s women’s national water polo team claimed their second victory at the World Cup Division II after producing a composed 14-8 win over South Africa at the National Pool.
Following their defeat to Croatia a day earlier, the Maltese side needed a positive reaction and delivered an assured performance in front of the home crowd.
Elena Borg led Malta’s scoring with four goals, while Chloe Amato also made a strong contribution with a hat trick as the hosts controlled the contest after a difficult start.
South Africa opened brightly and moved into a two-goal lead in the first session, but Malta responded well. Borg brought the team level with two goals, one from a penalty and another from a player advantage situation.
The hosts then grew into the match and took command, with Amato, Marlerose Tully and Borg all finding the net to give Malta a 5-3 advantage at the end of the opening session.
Malta extended their lead to 7-3 midway through the second session, although South Africa briefly threatened a comeback with two unanswered goals. Tully, however, struck in the final seconds before the interval to send Malta into the break 8-5 ahead.
The Maltese team kept their control in the third session, with Amato and Martha Perici Ferrante scoring to maintain a 10-7 lead heading into the final quarter.
Malta then finished strongly, adding four more goals through Francesca Paolella, Amato and a brace from Ella Miceli to seal a convincing 14-8 victory.
The result guarantees Malta its best placing in these championships, with the team now set to contest the play-offs for positions between ninth and 12th. Malta will next face Argentina on Saturday.
