A Strong Start by the KFF Academy and Alibekov’s Brilliance: Highlights of Matchweek I in Freedom QJ League B

Young but Determined: Bright Debut for KFF Academy

The team KFF Academy 2010, composed of players from Kazakhstan’s U-16 national team, played their first-ever match in the Freedom QJ League. Despite being two years younger than all of their division rivals, Stuart Hall’s side immediately showed they should not be underestimated.

Their first opponents were Altay, and the Academy boys dominated with a 5:0 win. Midfielder Amirkhan Maratov, who just turned 15 last month, scored a brace. Interestingly, both goals came in identical fashion – chipping the ball over the goalkeeper.

Thanks to their superior goal difference, KFF Academy now tops the league table after Matchweek I.

Debut Defeats for Zhenis and Khan-Tengri

The other two debutants in the league – Astana’s Zhenis and Almaty’s Khan-Tengri – both suffered losses in their opening fixtures.

Zhenis kicked off the tournament at home but fell 1:3 to Yelimay. They had a chance to score first in the 25th minute, but goalkeeper Alikhan Temirkhan saved Aibar Buriyev’s penalty.

Fifteen minutes later, Zhenis’ forward redeemed himself with a goal from open play. The hosts led until the 80th minute, but then crumbled late: Yelimay scored in the 81st and 89th minutes and sealed the win with a third goal in added time.

As for Khan-Tengri, they were handed a tough start against the title favorites – Ontustik. The reigning champions of League B, who won all 14 of their matches last season, began their title defense with a 4:1 victory. Khan-Tengri’s only goal came from midfielder Timur Deshko. Ontustik’s Alikhan Ali and Temirlan Yermek both finished with a goal and an assist each.

Alibekov’s Star Performance

Kyzylzhar began their campaign with a thrilling 3:2 win over Okzhetpes, and much of the credit goes to Madiyar Alibekov, who netted a brace.

With these two goals, the 17-year-old striker matched his total goal tally from the entire 2024 season – where he recorded 2 goals and 3 assists in 11 appearances.

Top Scoring Matches of the Week: Kyzylzhar – Okzhetpes (3:2), Ontustik – Khan-Tengri (4:1), KFF Academy – Altay (5:0).