Draw: Kairat Share Points with Atyrau, Irtysh in Trouble – What You Need to Know About Matchweek XX of the Freedom QJ League

Shock in Almaty

The newly crowned champions, Kairat, unexpectedly dropped points against Atyrau. Despite Daniil Sobolev’s opener in the 38th minute after an assist from Alamgir Smakov, the visitors managed to equalize in the second half – Bakdaulet Marat set up Dinmukhamed Bagytzhan for the equalizer.

No more goals followed, and the “Oilmen” became only the third team to take points off Kairat. Earlier this season, the yellow-blacks drew twice with Zhas Kyran and once with Caspiy.

No Problems for Shakhtyor and Astana

Shakhtyor Karaganda cruised to a 6-0 win over Kaisar in Kyzylorda. Gleb Makridov scored a hat-trick and provided an assist – a performance that made him the new all-time record holder of the league in total goal involvements (goals + assists). Vasily Leontyev, Egor Puschin, and Miras Kuat also found the net.

Astana also claimed a big victory, defeating Tobol 5-1. Alen Pak shone with a hat-trick, while Maksat Abrayev and Aslanbek Marat added one goal each. Tobol’s only scorer was Zhanarys Ospan, who beat Tamerlan Zhanabergenov. Notably, Astana finished the game with ten men after Mansur Alikhan was sent off for a rough tackle in the 73rd minute.

After 20 matchweeks, both Astana and Shakhtyor have 36 points – the capital side currently sits in third place thanks to superior tie-breakers.

Hard-Fought Win for Zhas Kyran

Zhas Kyran snatched a tough away victory against Caspiy in Aktau. The match remained goalless until the 84th minute when Arlan Zhangazy finally broke the deadlock. In stoppage time, Arafat Valiyev doubled the advantage to seal the win.

With this result, Zhas Kyran held on to second place in the table. However, their next match won’t be easy – they face Irtysh in what promises to be a decisive clash.

Irtysh Falling Behind in the Medal Race

Irtysh Pavlodar suffered another blow, losing 1-2 at home to Ordabasy. Akhan Serik opened the scoring for the visitors, and though Abulmansur Kassymtay equalized later, defender Abdurakhman Orumbayev struck the winner for the southern side.

The Pavlodar club now trails the third place by four points – and with only two weeks remaining, catching up will be a major challenge.

Taraz Lead the Second Half of the Table

Taraz recorded their third consecutive win, ending Aktobe’s hopes of climbing to seventh place. The only goal of the match was scored by Tleukabyl Kanatbek.

Thanks to this victory – and Irtysh’s stumble – the southern side still have a chance to break into the top half of the standings, sitting just four points behind Pavlodar.