Dinamo Tbilisi have been crowned Georgian Cup champions after prevailing in a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Apollo in a thrilling final that finished 15-15 after regular time.
With neither side able to break the deadlock across four quarters, the title was ultimately decided from the penalty mark, where Dinamo held their nerve to secure a 5-4 shootout victory and claim the trophy with a 20-19 aggregate score.
The final proved to be one of the most entertaining matches of the Georgian domestic season, with momentum swinging throughout a high-scoring encounter between two of the country’s leading clubs.
Dinamo’s attack was led by Dragan Drasković, who scored five goals, while Georgian international Giorgi Magrakvelidze added four. Saba Tkeshelashvili and Artyom Dikhtiarenko each contributed three goals, while Giorgi Veshaguri and Nikola Bučan scored twice apiece. Revaz Imnaishvili also found the scoresheet.
Apollo pushed the newly crowned cup holders all the way and succeeded in taking the contest to penalties after matching Dinamo goal-for-goal across regulation time. However, Dinamo proved more clinical in the shootout to secure the silverware.
The victory adds another major trophy to Dinamo Tbilisi’s collection and underlines their position as one of the dominant forces in Georgian water polo. Having also represented Georgia in European competition in recent seasons, the Tbilisi-based club once again demonstrated its ability to deliver under pressure on the domestic stage.
Dinamo Tbilisi 20-19 Apollo (after penalties)
(15-15 after regular time)
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