Astana vs Shakhtyor, will Aktobe keep surprising? What to expect from Matchweek 7 of the Freedom QJ League W

Zhetysu – Ordabasy

The main underdogs of the season will once again try to snatch some points. In addition to the home advantage, the poor form of the Shymkent team might help them – recall that Ordabasy lost three consecutive games and played a goalless draw with Tobol in the last round. However, the standings are so tight that a win could bring the southerners back into the medal race – the gap from Irtysh is only three points.

Tobol – Kairat

The Kostanay club is unbeaten in four matches – with wins over Zhetysu and Aktobe, and draws with Irtysh and Ordabasy. Kairat, meanwhile, remains completely untroubled in the tournament – six wins in six games, 43 goals scored and just five conceded. Will the yellow-and-blacks close the first round in the same dominant fashion, or will the fans finally witness the first setback of the title favorites?

Astana – Shakhtyor

The match between the capital club and the “Cinderella” team from Karaganda is one of the most intriguing of the round. Both teams are highly motivated – Astana players will want to bounce back and please the fans after a painful thrashing by Kairat, while Shakhtyor must break a two-game losing streak and prevent their rivals from strengthening their hold on second place.

Saida Dyusembayeva and Damira Maksat, who had been involved in goals and assists for four rounds in a row, went scoreless in the last two games. Can Shakhtyor’s key players regain their form in the final match of the first round?

Aktobe – Irtysh

After losing their first four matches, the red-and-whites have gained momentum – they first defeated Zhetysu in Taldykorgan, then claimed all three points away against Shakhtyor.

Striker Aziza Talap played a key role in those victories – she scored four goals in the last two games. And let’s not forget Tomiris Balniyazova, who has delivered four assists in the last three rounds. Will they continue their run of success at home, or will the clash with Irtysh prove too difficult a test?