Georgia Women U17 opened their UEFA European U17 Women’s Championship campaign with a composed 2-0 victory over North Macedonia Women U17 on 25 October 2026, using a first-half breakthrough and a polished second-half finish to take all three points.

Match overview

Georgia controlled the tempo from the opening minutes, pressing high through their front three and forcing North Macedonia into a series of hurried clearances. The young Georgian side looked comfortable in possession, switching play quickly and creating overloads on the flanks. North Macedonia, by contrast, sat deeper in a compact block and looked to spring counter-attacks through their wide players.

The breakthrough arrived midway through the first half, and it was no surprise that Georgia’s brightest attacking players were involved. A sharp interchange on the right opened space for a low cut-back, and Mariam Kobaladze finished confidently from close range. North Macedonia responded with a brief spell of pressure before half-time, but Georgia’s goalkeeper Ana Beridze dealt comfortably with the few efforts that reached her goal.

Key moments

• 21st minute: Georgia take the lead as Mariam Kobaladze converts a low cross from the right after a patient build-up.
• 43rd minute: North Macedonia’s best chance of the first half falls to captain Jovana Stojanovska, whose angled shot is held by Beridze.
• 58th minute: Nino Chkheidze doubles Georgia’s advantage with a composed finish after breaking into the penalty area.
• 74th minute: Beridze produces a strong one-handed save to deny a North Macedonia substitute and preserve the two-goal cushion.
• 86th minute: Georgia almost add a third, but a goal-bound effort is blocked bravely by a retreating defender.

Tactical story

Georgia’s 4-3-3 shape gave them control in midfield, with the central trio winning second balls and feeding the wide forwards in space. Their full-backs pushed high, pinning North Macedonia’s wide midfielders deep and allowing Georgia to sustain attacks for long periods. The hosts’ pressing was especially effective in the first 15 minutes of each half, when North Macedonia struggled to play through the middle.

North Macedonia’s 4-1-4-1 block was disciplined for much of the contest, but the side lacked an outlet when possession was won. Their best moments came from direct runs in behind, though Georgia’s centre-back pairing read the danger well and stepped up to catch the visitors offside on several occasions. Once Georgia scored the second goal, the game management from the hosts was mature beyond their years.

Standout players

Kobaladze was a constant threat with her movement across the defensive line, while Chkheidze combined energy with composure in the final third. Beridze’s handling and decision-making gave Georgia a solid foundation at the back. For North Macedonia, goalkeeper Elena Trajkovska made several smart saves, and Stojanovska worked tirelessly in midfield despite limited service.

What the result means

The three points give Georgia an early foothold in the group and a strong platform for the rest of the UEFA European U17 Women’s Championship campaign. North Macedonia will need to regroup quickly, but their defensive organisation offers something to build on. Georgia’s next fixture will bring a different test, yet this performance underlined their ability to dominate possession and turn territory into goals.