Dinamo Batumi Edge Torpedo Kutaisi in Extra-Time Thriller
Dinamo Batumi defeated Torpedo Kutaisi 4-2 in the quarter-finals of the David Kipiani Cup on Tuesday evening. The match lasted well beyond the standard ninety minutes, with six goals scored across regular and extra time. Dinamo Batumi advanced to the next stage after a hard-fought contest. The result ends Torpedo Kutaisi's campaign in the tournament.
U. Mara opened the scoring for Dinamo Batumi with a penalty at the eleventh minute. K. Andric equalised for the hosts at thirty-five minutes. D. Deisadze restored Dinamo's lead just before half-time with a goal at forty-five minutes and three seconds. I. Oulad Omar extended the visitors' advantage at seventy-seven minutes. That gave Dinamo Batumi a 3-1 advantage going into extra time.
Things shifted in the dying moments of regulation. D. Bukia received a red card at ninety-four minutes for Torpedo Kutaisi. The hosts were reduced to ten men for extra time. U. Mara struck again at the hundred-and-first minute to make it 4-1. Maurides pulled one back for Torpedo Kutaisi at the hundred-and-twentieth minute, but it was too late.
The statistics tell a different story. Torpedo Kutaisi dominated possession at 49 per cent and registered 125 attacks compared to 99 for Dinamo Batumi. The hosts also had more corners, nine to seven, and more throw-ins, 27 to 17. Yet Dinamo Batumi were far more clinical, hitting the target twelve times with only four goals, while Torpedo Kutaisi managed six shots on target for two goals.
The result means Dinamo Batumi progress to the semi-finals of the Cup. They will face whichever side wins from the remaining quarter-final ties. Torpedo Kutaisi's campaign ends after a disappointing exit. They had dominated much of the match but could not hold on.