During the winter transfer period, the 33-year-old player, who previously represented teams such as "Rubin" and "Lokomotiv" from Russia, as well as "Metalist" (Ukraine), "Neftchi" (Azerbaijan), and "Al-Uhdud" (Saudi Arabia), signed a contract with the newcomer of the Joghork League, the club "Toktogul".
On March 6, the team from Toktogul played their first match in the top division, hosting Bishkek's "Ilbirs" at their home stadium.
In the 14th minute, 22-year-old Kazakh player Alisher Rakhimzhanov burst into the penalty area of "Toktogul", after which Kvirkvelia brought him down. Referee Nurgazy Cholponbaev, without resorting to VAR, immediately awarded a penalty.
Ilya Karpuk, representing Russia, confidently converted the penalty kick, opening the scoring at 1:0 in favor of "Ilbirs".
However, early in the second half, in the 49th minute, Kvirkvelia redeemed himself by scoring the first goal in the history of "Toktogul" in the top league. He headed the ball in after a corner, outjumping Karpuk — 1:1.
View this post on Instagram
Post by FC Toktogul Official (@fctoktogull)
In the 52nd minute, Kvirkvelia and Karpuk clashed again in a battle for a high ball, this time in the center of the field. As a result of the collision, the Georgian received a cut above his eyebrow but continued to play with a bandage on his head.
In the 68th minute, "Toktogul" earned another corner, and Kvirkvelia, who was up against 17-year-old Amantur Isakov, managed to shake off his marker and scored again with a header, becoming the author of the decisive strike.
View this post on Instagram
Post by FC Toktogul Official (@fctoktogull)
As a result, "Toktogul" won the match 3:2, marking the club's historic first victory in the top league of Kyrgyzstan.
Kvirkvelia, in turn, scored a brace in his first match in the country's championship, ensuring his team's success.
After the game, he was named the man of the match.
View this post on Instagram
Post by Kyrgyz Premier League (@kyrgyzpremierleague)
