Georgia will attempt to put their heartbreaking opening-day defeat behind them when they welcome Ukraine to Tbilisi for their second Nations League fixture of the international break on Monday night.
The Crusaders suffered a painful 99th-minute defeat to Northern Ireland on Friday, with Shea Charles scoring deep into stoppage time to snatch all three points after Georgia had looked set to claim a draw.
The result ended Georgia’s unbeaten run, which had stretched back to November 2025. Willy Sagnol’s side had entered the Nations League campaign after winning two and drawing two of their previous four friendlies, following a difficult 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, where Georgia suffered four consecutive defeats in a group containing eventual champions Spain.
However, the defeat also brought the end of Sagnol’s tenure. Ramaz Svanadze, previously in charge of Georgia’s Under-21 side, has now been promoted to lead the senior team and will oversee his first match against Ukraine. Svanadze inherits a team that has failed to win any of its last five Nations League group matches, with their most recent victory coming against Albania in September 2024.
Ukraine made an ideal start to their campaign by defeating Hungary 1-0 in Budapest. Danylo Sikan scored the only goal shortly before half time before Ukraine defended resolutely to protect their advantage despite Hungary registering 17 shots.
Andrea Maldera has now overseen consecutive victories since taking charge, and Ukraine will be looking to make it three wins in a row on Monday.
The visitors also have a positive recent record against Georgia in the Nations League, having remained unbeaten in their two meetings during the 2024-25 edition. Ukraine won the home fixture before securing a draw in Georgia.
Team News
Georgia have no fresh injury concerns following their narrow defeat to Northern Ireland, meaning Svanadze could opt to retain much of the same starting XI despite taking charge for the first time.
Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is expected to continue between the posts, providing experience at the back for the hosts.
Captain Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will once again be the focal point of Georgia’s attack. The Napoli forward is closing in on becoming his country’s all-time leading goalscorer and will be one of the main threats Ukraine must contain.
The arrival of Svanadze could nevertheless lead to tactical changes as the new manager looks to put his own stamp on the side.
Ukraine will be without Oleksandr Nazarenko after the substitute was sent off during the victory over Hungary. Nazarenko received two yellow cards within 33 minutes after coming off the bench and will therefore serve a suspension.
Aside from that absence, Maldera could retain the starting XI that secured victory in Budapest.
Anderlecht striker Danylo Sikan is expected to lead the attack after scoring the winning goal against Hungary, while Georgiy Sudakov should operate behind or around the striker after providing an assist in the opening fixture.
Dmytro Riznyk is also likely to retain his place in goal after producing several important saves in Budapest. The goalkeeper has made only four senior appearances since his international debut in 2021 but impressed when called upon.
Possible Lineups
Georgia possible starting lineup:
Mamardashvili, Goglichidze, Dvali, Lochoshvilli; Kakabadze, Kochorashvili, Mekvabishvili, Kharebashvili, Kvernadze, Mikautadze; Kvaratskhelia
Ukraine possible starting lineup:
Riznyk; Krupskyi, Zabarnyi, Matvienko, Mykolenko; Tsygankov, Ocheretko, Brazhko, Sudakov; Sikan, Vanat
How to Watch
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| TV Broadcast | SuperSport |
| Live Stream | dstv stream |
| Kick-off Time | 17:00pm(WAT) |
Match Prediction
Softfootball predicts Georgia 1-2 Ukraine.
Georgia will be determined to respond after conceding such a late goal against Northern Ireland, and playing in front of their home supporters could provide an additional boost. However, Ukraine arrive with greater momentum after securing consecutive victories under Maldera. Their defensive performance against Hungary was particularly encouraging, and they will be confident of frustrating Georgia again.
