14 Years After – Locomotive to play in Georgian Cup Final
14 Years After – Locomotive to play in Georgian Cup Final
Despite the fact that after the first half “Locomotive” was about to lose against “Gareji” 0:1 in a hard and tensed battle, Levan Korghalidze’s team earned a ticket to David Kipiani Cup final of Georgia and are going to fight for a title against “Saburtalo”.
Speaking of the game itself, it was quite tough. The first threatening moment was created by the hosts, when Chimakadze shot a header towards Buliskeria’s door and missed the target slightly. “Locomotive” had tha ball under their control and were trying to carry out some positional strikes. Eventually, the hosts came first to open the score at the 13th minute. The defenders were not able to perform well after getting the ball in the penalty area, shot from the out. Thus, Ilia Gujaraidze scored from a close distance.
“Locomotive” continued carrying out positional strikes and even used to create threats in the rival’s penalty area, although, it never really led to any real moments. “Gareji” took a defencive position with all the eleven footballers and continued the match with the hope of counter-attacks.
At the end of the half, a very dangerous header by Nika Chanturia was repelled by the keeper, Bobghiashvili, leaping with self-devotion. Finally, “Locomotive” were not able to restore balance in the first half, so “Gareji” went on break with one ball advantage.
In the beginning of the second half, Levan Korghalidze called for Beka Dartsmelia and Tornike Kirkitadze to the field, substituting Davit Samurkasovi and Irakli Komakhidze. “Locomotive” succeeded to equalize the score at the 57th minute. Temur Shonia’s strong shot hit the crossbar; As for the addition, Irakli Sikharulidze outclassed the others.
Just in 3 minutes, “Locomotive” raided the rival’s door for the second time. After a penalty shot by Beka Dartsmelia, Nika Chanturia received the ball while there was a mess in penalty area, so the defender of the Tbilisians kicked the ball towards Bobghiashvili’s door.
From the 60th minute, the spectators witnessed the game that nobody was expecting before the beginning of the match. In spite of the playing advantage of “Locomotive”, the hosts managed to score for the second time at the 62nd minute.
As for the winning goal of the Tbilisian club, it is by the authorship of Temur Shonia. The referee, Vadachkoria, spotted a hand play in the penalty area and thus signalled a penalty kick towards the door of the hosts. At the 68th minute, a strong and accurate shot by the cornerstone of Loco, defined the final result of the match.
Within the additional time, the dangerous moments were creating at both of the doors, however, no more balls were scored. On December 7, “Locomotive” is going to play the most important match of the season and in case of winning the Cup, they will automatically get a right to play in Europa League.
Gareji 2:3 Locomotive
Locomotive: Buliskeria, Chanturia, Andronikashvili, Gabadze, Ubilava (c), Shonia, Gvalia, Samurkasovi (Dartsmelia 46), Komakhidze (T. Kirkitadze 46), D. Kirkitadze, Sikharulidze (Shekiladze 84)
Scorings: Sikharulidze (56), Chanturia (59), Shonia (68 pen.)
