Lithuanian club EVK Zaibas and GZC Donk from the Netherlands advanced to the Challenger Cup final after four tightly contested semifinal matches.
GZC Donk managed to save a one-goal lead secured on home ground against ASC Sliema (18:17) in the first match. The return game in Malta ended in a 12:12 draw.
EVK Zaibas faced another Dutch team, ZV De Zaan, in the semifinals. The Lithuanians won 13:11 in the 2nd leg for a two-goal aggregate victory, as there was no winner in the first game in the Netherlands (9:9).
In a thrilling battle in Malta, ASC Sliema led by two goals twice (2:0 and 9:7), but the Dutch side managed to secure a valuable point. There were even 12 goals in the first quarter – 6:6. The second quarter saw a more controlled defensive display, with each side managing just a single goal. GZC Donk went ahead (7:6), but the Maltese leveled at 7:7 before the middle break. They gained a 2-goal advantage with two early goals in the third quarter (9:7). However, GZC Donk replied with a 3:0 run and took a 10:9 advantage. Still, before the final period, the teams were tied – 10:10.
Jorn Winkelhorst gave the visitors an 11:10 lead in the middle of the final quarter. The Maltese leveled at 11:11. Still, GZC Donk entered the final minute with a slim 12:11 advantage. Dino Zammit converted a late penalty with 37 seconds left to equalize once again – 12:12, but it was too late for a new turn, and GZC Donk went to the final.
In Lithuania, EVK Zaibas and ZV De Zaan were in a close contest until 5:5 (13th minute), but the Dutch resistance faltered as Zaibas built a commanding 9:5 lead early in the third. ZV De Zaan came back into the match and narrowed the gap with five minutes left on the clock – Janssen scored from a counterattack for 11:12. Luka Bosic converted a man-up in EVK Zaibas’ next possession -13:11. The Dutch had three extra player opportunities and one penalty shot. Still, they wasted all four chances, and the Lithuanians celebrated a big win.
2024/25 Challenger Cup, semifinals, Leg 2
Sliema ASC – GZC Donk 12:12 (6:6, 1:1 3:3, 2:2) – first match 17:18
Sliema ASC: D.Zammit 3, Schembri 2, L. Galea 2, Cachia 1, Rizzo 1, Brownrigg 1,A. Galea 1, Chircop 1.
GZC Donk: Schouwerwou 3, Winkelhorst 2,Westerwoudt 2, Van Ijperen 2, van en Heuvel 2, Nispelling 1
EVK Zaibas – ZV De Zaan 13:11 (3:2, 4:3, 4:3, 2:3)- first match 9:9
EVK Zaibas: Krapic 3, Jelaca 3, Bosic 3, Vitkauskas 2, Gostautas 1, Bakulo 1.
ZV De Zaan: Jansen 4, Bakker 2, Lucas 2, Brancatello 1, Meijn 1, Corver 1.
The final will be played on April 5 and 26.
