MALTA BEATS PORTUGAL 19-17 IN FIRST WATER POLO MATCH AT NEW GOZO PAVILION

The first official water polo match at the new Sports and Aquatic Pavilion in Rabat, Gozo, saw Malta take on Portugal in a friendly ahead of the 2026 European Water Polo Championships in Belgrade.

Minister for Gozo and Planning, Clint Camilleri, was present for the match, expressing satisfaction that the newly inaugurated pavilion is now being actively used by both local athletes and residents. Camilleri highlighted the facility’s potential to attract sports tourism to Gozo, noting that the government has invested significantly in sporting infrastructure on the island. “With an Olympic-sized pool, matches can now be played to international standards. We will continue to invest not only in this area but also in addressing gaps in sporting facilities across Gozo,” he said.

The Maltese national water polo team played a total of three preparatory matches against Portugal, with two held in Malta and the final match at the Gozo pavilion. These friendly matches form part of the team’s ongoing international training and preparation programme ahead of next year’s main tournament.

Malta emerged victorious in the Gozo match, defeating Portugal 19-17. Minister Camilleri congratulated the team on the win and wished them continued success in their upcoming competitions, praising the squad’s dedication and the growing standard of water polo in the country.

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