Merani Martvili 0–2 FC Gori
Erovnuli Liga 2 | Matchday 16 | 22 June 2026

FC Gori moved into the upper half of the Erovnuli Liga 2 table with a composed 2–0 victory over Merani Martvili on Monday evening at the Murtaz Khurtsilava Stadium. The visitors struck twice in the second half to leave the home side winless in their last four matches and deepen their relegation concerns.

First-half stalemate

The opening 45 minutes offered little in the way of clear-cut chances. Merani Martvili, set up in a compact 4‑4‑2, looked to frustrate Gori’s midfield trio, but the absence of injured playmaker Lasha Beridze was evident in the hosts’ lack of creativity. Gori’s Giorgi Tchelidze came closest when his curling free‑kick struck the underside of the crossbar just before the break.

Second-half breakthrough

Gori emerged with renewed purpose after the interval. The breakthrough arrived in the 57th minute when Nikoloz Samkharadze latched onto a through‑ball from Tchelidze and slotted calmly past Merani goalkeeper Zurab Kipshidze for his sixth league goal of the season.

Merani pushed forward in search of an equaliser but left gaps at the back. Gori doubled their lead on 78 minutes through substitute Levan Diasamidze, who capitalised on a defensive misunderstanding to side‑foot into an empty net.

Tactical story

Merani’s pressing game lacked intensity in the second half, allowing Gori’s midfielders time to pick passes. Gori’s manager Davit Lobjanidze switched to a 3‑5‑2 after the hour mark, overloading the flanks and stretching Merani’s back line. The hosts’ failure to track runners from deep proved costly on both goals.

Standout performers

• Giorgi Tchelidze (Gori) – Dictated the tempo from central midfield and provided the assist for the opener. His set‑piece delivery was a constant threat.
• Nikoloz Samkharadze (Gori) – Took his goal with composure and worked tirelessly off the ball, causing problems for the Merani centre‑backs.
• Giorgi Topuria (Gori) – The centre‑back made several crucial interceptions and marshalled a defence that kept only their third clean sheet of the campaign.

League impact

The victory lifts FC Gori into fifth place in the Georgia Erovnuli Liga 2 standings with 26 points from 16 games, just two points behind the promotion play‑off spots. Merani Martvili remain 14th with 14 points, now only one point above the relegation zone. Next up for Gori is a home fixture against third‑placed Kolkheti 1913 Poti, while Merani travel to bottom side Gareji Segarejo in a pivotal basement clash.