Almaty teams remain unbeaten, tough situation for Astana: key highlights from Matchweek 11 of Freedom QJ League

Kaisar and Tobol share the points

Two bottom-table neighbors met in Kyzylorda in a rather unusual game. The sides exchanged goals, but Tobol didn’t register a single shot on target — their goal came in the 70th minute when Kaisar defender Zhalgas Sailaubek put the ball into his own net.

Kaisar looked more dangerous in attack, taking 14 shots, 5 of which were on target. Despite an xG of 2.02, they only scored once — Alibek Zharylkasynuly found the net in the 85th minute, sealing a 1:1 draw.

The game was emotional, with both teams receiving three yellow cards.

Zhas Kyran pass the test

Both Almaty teams finished the first half of the season unbeaten. The biggest test in that respect came in Matchweek 11, when Zhas Kyran hosted Astana.

Despite dominating possession, the visitors couldn’t convert it into goals. The match was decided by Zhas Kyran midfielder Bekzhan Khafizov, who scored in the 64th minute. Astana players were caught offside six times.

A second straight defeat significantly complicated Astana’s standings — Yerbol Musabayev’s team is now fifth, five points behind the top three.

No issues for Kairat

The Yellow-and-Blacks had no trouble finding the key to Taraz’s goal, handing the hosts their biggest loss of the season — 1:4. Yermukhammad Kerimkhan scored twice, while Daulet Orynbasar had a goal and an assist: setting up Raimbek Kenesbekov and converting a penalty himself.

Taraz were missing key players: defender Sanzhar Rakhmatili and midfielder Azizjon Berdiev, both suspended after red cards last round.

Atyrau take points off Irtysh

The Oilers finally ended their four-game losing streak — Talgat Kazhigaliev’s team managed to upset Irtysh at home.

The home team scored early, in the 14th minute. Despite controlling the ball more and firing 16 shots (6 on target), Pavlodar’s team responded with just one goal — Almas Rakhimbek beat Sayan Nasikhatuly in the 55th minute.

Irtysh sit fourth in the standings — four points ahead of Astana, but just one behind both Shakhtyor and Zhas Kyran.

Ordabasy keep smashing contenders

Shakhtyor had a solid chance to secure second place, but those hopes were dashed by Ordabasy, who delivered a confident home win in Shymkent.

A brace from Zhanali Yesenaliev (the second from the penalty spot) and a goal from Maksim Gamayunov sealed the outcome.

Shakhtyor couldn’t score from open play but were awarded two penalties. In the 65th minute, Naiman Satenov’s shot was saved by Semyon Sokolov. In added time, Gleb Makridov converted his attempt — by then, Ernur Abilkarys was in goal for the hosts.

That’s two straight wins for Ordabasy — they also defeated Astana last week.

Worth noting: in the U-17 tournament, the opposite happened — Shakhtyor thrashed Ordabasy 4:1, handing the southern side their first loss of the season. Alexander Yakovlev stood out with three assists, two of them to Rustam Sayfimilyukov.

Easy game for Aktobe

The Red-and-Whites left no chance for Caspiy, putting six unanswered goals past them. Islam Nuradinov scored a hat-trick, Nurdaulet Toregali added a brace, and Robert Asryan had 1+1 in goals and assists.

Aktobe are now 7th in the table, while Caspiy remain at the bottom.