We take a look at how Matchweek 17 of Freedom QJ League B unfolded.
Big win in Shymkent
At BIIK Stadium, Ontustyk thrashed Khan-Tengri 6–1.
There was little indication early on that the game would end this way, as Almaty forward Dinmukhamed Tailan opened the scoring in the sixth minute. However, the hosts turned the match around in the space of three minutes: Bekzat Yessirkepov scored in the 21st and Nurdaulet Tileules in the 24th.
Soon after the break, the contest was effectively put beyond doubt. Rauan Jurumbetov found the net in the 47th minute, followed by Arda Mukhtarov a minute later.
Even Prokhor Ivantsov’s dismissal in the 68th minute did not stop the hosts – Ontustyk scored twice more while down to ten men, with Jurumbetov completing his brace in stoppage time.
For Khan-Tengri, it was their first defeat since Matchweek 7 and the end of a six-match winning streak. The team still boasts the best attack in the competition with 46 goals, but one difficult evening significantly worsened their defensive record, which now stands at 25 goals conceded.
Zhenis stay top
The league leaders took full advantage of their Almaty rivals dropping points. At Air Arena, Zhenis defeated Yelimay 3–0.
Nurgisa Sharipbai opened the scoring in the 11th minute, Nurabi Nurlan doubled the lead in the 69th, and Yerdaulet Ismailov completed the scoring in stoppage time.
The capital side now head into the final matchweek on top with 37 points – Khan-Tengri trail by one point, while Jaiyq are three points behind.
Jaiyq concede four in Atyrau
The Oilmen recorded their second consecutive home victory, beating the team from Oral 4–1.
Nurbek Amangeldi opened the scoring in the 27th minute, while the main hero of the match was Nurali Rakhmet, who came off the bench in the 56th minute and scored twice. Nursultan Zhomart also got on the scoresheet. The visitors managed only a stoppage-time reply through captain Damir Zalmukanov.
The result dealt a major blow to Jaiyq’s title hopes. To win the championship, they must not only beat Okzhetpes in the final matchweek but also hope that both of their rivals drop points.
Kyzylzhar win with ten men
The most unpredictable match of the round took place in Kokshetau, where Kyzylzhar snatched a 3–2 victory.
Mikhail Fedosov put the visitors ahead in the 37th minute, but after the break Okzhetpes responded through Almerek Karbayev and Nuraly Sabyrzhan. In the 73rd minute, the Petropavl side were reduced to ten men when Roman Komarovskiy received his second yellow card.
Nevertheless, Kyzylzhar’s substitutes decided the outcome. Nurzhan Seitkereyev came off the bench to equalise in the 78th minute, before Kirill Yekimov scored the winner late on, just three minutes after entering the pitch.
It was only Kyzylzhar’s fourth victory of the season and their first since Matchweek 11. Okzhetpes, meanwhile, suffered a second consecutive defeat but remained fourth on tiebreakers, level with Zhetysu on 26 points.
Altai claim their second win
The bottom side gave their supporters something to celebrate in Ust-Kamenogorsk as Altai defeated Zhetysu 1–0. Defender Daryn Suimbek scored the only goal in the 36th minute.
It was only the second victory of the season for Pavel Yevteyev’s team. Zhetysu remained fifth and missed the chance to move above Okzhetpes.
Top scorer after Matchweek 17: Zhanadi Zhumabek (Khan-Tengri, 12 goals).
Top assist provider after Matchweek 17: Nuraly Sabyrzhan (Okzhetpes, 6 assists).
