Georgia Vs Cape Verde

Georgia are aiming to continue their impressive form when they face Cape Verde in an international friendly scheduled to take place in Kutaisi on Sunday. With the goal of notching a fourth straight win, the hosts will look to maintain their rhythm and build confidence ahead of what promises to be a challenging World Cup qualifying campaign later in the year. On the other hand, Cape Verde arrive in Georgia with hopes of extending their own unbeaten streak, which currently stands at four matches. The Blue Sharks are eyeing successive victories after their most recent triumph over Malaysia, and they will aim to make the most of this rare meeting with a European opponent as they continue to prepare for the next phase of their qualifying journey.

For Georgia, this fixture serves as another crucial opportunity to refine their squad and sustain momentum following a string of strong performances. The last time the Crusaders were involved in a competitive fixture was back in March, when they went head-to-head with Armenia in a relegation/promotion playoff tie in the UEFA Nations League. Georgia delivered two emphatic displays across the two legs of that playoff, first cruising to a 3-0 victory in Yerevan before returning home and dispatching the Armenians with a ruthless 6-1 win in front of their own supporters. That aggregate success ensured Georgia retained their place in League B of the Nations League, a notable achievement that underlines the strides the national team has made under the guidance of head coach Willy Sagnol.

Those dominant results against Armenia served as a timely confidence boost for a Georgian side that is preparing for a rigorous qualifying campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Placed in a demanding group that includes European heavyweights Spain, a talented Turkey side, and regional rivals Bulgaria, Georgia understand the importance of entering that campaign with a strong foundation. Sagnol and his players are using this string of friendlies not just for match fitness, but also as a chance to experiment tactically, assess the depth of the squad, and further establish a winning mentality. So far, their preparation seems to be going according to plan.

Following the high-scoring success against Armenia, Georgia returned to action earlier this week in another friendly, this time taking on the Faroe Islands. It was a different type of test—more restrained and tactical—but Georgia managed to emerge victorious once again, this time by a narrow 1-0 margin. The winning goal came courtesy of Luka Lochoshvili, whose first-half effort proved to be the difference on the day. While not as spectacular as their previous outings, the result nevertheless reinforced Georgia’s growing consistency and composure in international matches.

That win over the Faroe Islands marked Georgia’s third consecutive triumph, and it continued a remarkable run of home form that stretches back several years. Over their last 10 home international fixtures, the Crusaders have only been defeated once, while securing six wins and playing out three draws. That record not only highlights the growing confidence within the squad, but it also speaks to the passionate and increasingly supportive atmosphere that Georgia has managed to cultivate on home soil. Kutaisi, the venue for Sunday’s match, will likely provide another spirited backdrop as the national team aims to keep their winning streak alive.

As for Cape Verde, the West African nation has reasons to be optimistic as well. The Blue Sharks have quietly built an impressive record in 2025, winning three of the four matches they have played so far this calendar year. That run includes two critical victories in the second stage of their World Cup qualifying campaign. Back in March, Cape Verde began that window with a slender 1-0 home win against Mauritius. Although it was far from a free-flowing attacking display, the win was vital in terms of points and morale. A few days later, they followed it up with a more spirited 2-1 victory over Angola—a performance that showed tactical maturity and clinical finishing under pressure. Those two wins positioned Bubista’s men at the top of Group D, giving them a narrow but important one-point advantage over their group rivals with four fixtures still to be played.

While their qualifying campaign is temporarily on pause until September, Cape Verde are using this international window to stay sharp and maintain cohesion within the squad. With three friendly fixtures scheduled, the team is ensuring that players remain engaged, focused, and in competitive shape. Their first match during this window ended in a 1-1 draw with Malaysia—a result that may have left the coaching staff slightly disappointed given the perceived disparity between the two teams. However, the Blue Sharks responded with authority in the reverse fixture, delivering an emphatic 3-0 victory that showcased their attacking potential and disciplined defensive structure.

That convincing win over Malaysia extended Cape Verde’s unbeaten run to four games and served as a valuable reminder of the progress the team continues to make. Their last defeat came in November, a 1-0 setback against Mauritania, but since then they’ve shown resilience, tactical growth, and a stronger sense of identity on the pitch. Sunday's encounter in Georgia marks the first-ever meeting between the two nations, and it presents Cape Verde with an intriguing opportunity to test themselves against European opposition—a rare scenario for the island nation, which typically plays against fellow African teams in both competitive and friendly formats.

Bubista’s side will need to draw upon all their recent positives if they are to leave Kutaisi with a result. The team has demonstrated solid defensive organization throughout 2025, conceding just two goals across their last four outings. Their midfield, anchored by hard-working and technically sound players, has been instrumental in dictating tempo and maintaining possession. Up front, Cape Verde will look to their creative outlets and attacking talents to break down what has been a resolute Georgian backline.

That said, Georgia are expected to control large portions of the match, especially with the comfort of playing at home. The hosts possess a core group of players with experience in top European leagues, and under Sagnol’s management, they have become more tactically flexible and mentally resilient. Georgia’s recent ability to combine flair in attack with structure in defense suggests they are maturing into a well-rounded side, capable of grinding out results even when they’re not at their best.

In addition to the tactical elements of the game, both sides will be using this match as an opportunity to assess players on the fringes of the squad. For Georgia, that could mean minutes for younger talents or those who have recently broken into the national setup, while Cape Verde may also look to experiment with their starting eleven and give chances to domestic-based players or newcomers trying to make their mark.

There is also a psychological element at play, especially for Georgia. Keeping the winning streak alive will be important not just for morale, but for creating a sense of inevitability and belief heading into September. Every positive result strengthens the narrative of a team on the rise—a valuable asset when facing the likes of Spain or Turkey in meaningful qualifiers. For Cape Verde, continuing their unbeaten streak will reinforce the belief that they are capable of advancing to the World Cup for the first time in their history. Each match, friendly or not, contributes to the overall culture and confidence within the group.

Sunday’s match may not have points at stake, but it certainly carries weight for both teams. Georgia are evolving into a nation that now expects to win at home and views friendlies not merely as exhibitions, but as building blocks toward larger goals. Cape Verde, meanwhile, are carving out a space for themselves among Africa’s more consistently competitive teams and are no longer content with being plucky underdogs.

Ultimately, this international friendly brings together two ambitious sides from different continents, each with its own set of aspirations and recent successes. For Georgia, it’s another chance to demonstrate that their recent dominance is not a fluke but the result of strategic planning and individual development. For Cape Verde, the trip to Kutaisi is both a test and an opportunity—a platform to gauge progress, build momentum, and perhaps spring a surprise against a strong European opponent.

With both teams looking toward major competitive fixtures in a few months’ time, Sunday’s clash is likely to be more intense and competitive than most friendlies. Fans can expect a focused, tactical contest with moments of creativity and drama. And as the final whistle approaches, one team will look to walk away having taken one more confident step toward their ultimate World Cup dream.