Abrayev and more: five former QJ League players made their KPL debut in the opening week

The main star — Maksat Abrayev

 

Astana began the season with a convincing 4–1 victory over Zhetisu. Despite the presence of several experienced players in the capital club’s squad, the spotlight was firmly on 18-year-old striker Maksat Abrayev.

 

Starting the match, the young forward was involved in three of Astana’s goals. First, he delivered the key pre-assist in the move that led to Stanislav Basmanov’s successful attack in the 14th minute. Shortly before halftime, Abrayev scored himself. Later, it was his action that earned a dangerous free kick, which eventually resulted in a goal by Marin Tomasov. Abrayev was substituted in the 87th minute.

 

Last season, Abrayev had an outstanding campaign in the Freedom QJ League. He scored 9 goals and provided 7 assists in 18 matches, helping his team win silver medals in the league’s flagship tournament.

 

He was also selected for the QJL All Star team that faced Atlético Madrid in an exhibition match, where he scored a crucial goal to send the game to a penalty shootout. In addition, he won the Freedom Media Cyber Cup, claiming the trophy on his second attempt.

 

Abrayev’s impressive performances made him one of the fan favorites among Freedom Media viewers and earned him the special individual award “Performance of the Year” at the QJL Awards ceremony.

 

An unexpected debut for Aliakbar

 

The match between Altay and Kairat turned out to be difficult for Altay goalkeeper Ivan Konovalov. After suffering an injury, he was substituted at halftime and replaced by 19-year-old Abulkhair Aliakbar, who made his debut in the country’s top professional division.

 

Despite understandable nerves, Aliakbar performed confidently in goal. However, the reigning champions Kairat still managed to secure a narrow victory — Jorginho scored the only goal of the match in the 64th minute.

 

Aliakbar previously played in the first season of the Freedom QJ League, representing Kaisar and later Zhas Kyran. Last year he played in the First League and played an important role in helping Altai gain promotion.

 

Three more debuts

 

Three other talented juniors also made their first appearances in Kazakhstan’s top league: Ruslan Valikhan (Astana midfielder), who came on in the closing minutes against Zhetisu, Miram Kikbayev (Aktobe forward), who appeared late in the match against Tobyl, Nurseit Berdesh (Atyrau midfielder), who debuted towards the end of the game against Ulytau.

 

This was only the first week of the new KPL season, and it is very likely that 2026 will become a breakthrough year not only for these debutants but also for many other young players who developed through the Freedom QJ League.