Matchweek 18 of the Freedom QJ League is over. We look back at the main storylines from the younger age categories of League A.
Freedom QJ League U-17
Shakhter close in on the title!
The biggest surprise of the U-17 competition came in Shymkent. Kairat failed to find the net against Ordabasy and dropped two crucial points.
League leaders Shakhter, meanwhile, took full advantage of the opportunity – a convincing 4-0 win over Kaysar in Kyzylorda allowed them to extend their lead over Kairat to five points. However, the Yellow and Blacks still have a postponed match against Kaysar in hand, while the two title contenders will face each other in the penultimate matchweek. The title race, therefore, remains very much alive.
Nurlanov and Baktybayev give Astana no chance
Ordabasy remain third with 37 points, but Aktobe, who have 35, are putting serious pressure on the Shymkent side in the race for the medals.
The Red and Whites thrashed Astana 6-0 in the latest matchweek – Akhmet Baktybayev scored a hat-trick, while Miras Nurlanov produced two goals and two assists.
Zhas Kyran also remain in contention for bronze – after beating Caspiy 3-0, the Almaty side are four points behind Ordabasy.
Freedom QJ League U-16
Kairat strike at the death
The U-16 Kairat side came close to suffering the same fate as their older teammates – the scoreboard at the Timur Segizbayev Stadium still read 0-0 against Ordabasy as regulation time came to an end. However, Kairat scored twice in added time – Beknur Kurman broke the deadlock before Kaysar Anuarbek put the result beyond doubt.
Second-placed Shakhter, meanwhile, thrashed Kaysar 7-2. The Miners are still five points behind Kairat, who also have a game in hand.
Atletico complete a remarkable comeback
The match in Taraz also deserves special mention. The hosts went into half-time with a three-goal lead over Atletico, but the visitors managed not only to erase the deficit after the break but also to complete the comeback.
A quick brace from Arlan Kairbayev reduced Taraz's advantage to one goal. Miron Ishchenko then brought Atletico level.
Just as the home supporters were beginning to come to terms with a draw, the closing stages produced another twist: goals from Rasul Samayev and Nurasyl Aidos secured a stunning 5-3 victory for Atletico.
Anuar Zhagippar's side remain firmly in the race for the bronze medals and are now only two points behind third-placed Aktobe. Taraz, meanwhile, remain second from bottom with seven points.
Freedom QJ League U-15
Four hard-fought draws in six matches
Matchweek 18 in the youngest age category produced a number of unexpected results. Eight teams shared the points: Caspiy drew 2-2 with Zhas Kyran, Taraz and Atletico played out a 3-3 draw, Irtysh and Tobyl finished 2-2, while Astana and Aktobe also drew 2-2.
Kairat crowned champions with four matchweeks to spare!
The other two matches ended in convincing victories – Shakhter comfortably beat Kaysar 4-0, while Kairat gave Ordabasy no chance in a 5-1 win.
The youngest Yellow and Blacks side have now reached 52 points and, with four matchweeks remaining, are mathematically out of reach for their nearest challengers – Tobyl (37). Kairat's 2012 team have therefore become the first champions to be crowned in the current season.
The battle for the remaining medals, however, remains wide open – with four matchweeks left, even the team in sixth place are only three points behind third.
Top scorers after Matchweek 18
Freedom QJ League U-17: Arsen Baizhanov (Aktobe) and Timur Tugambekov (Zhas Kyran, 12 goals each);
Freedom QJ League U-16: Miron Ishchenko (Atletico) and Balakhmet Adilbek (Tobyl, 16 goals each);
Freedom QJ League U-15: Abylai Tursyn (Kairat, 24 goals).
Top assist providers after Matchweek 18
Freedom QJ League U-17: Temirlan Abzhapar (Kairat, 9 assists);
Freedom QJ League U-16: Alikhan Karim (Shakhter, 10 assists);
Freedom QJ League U-15: Abdurakhim Ongarbek (Kairat, 17 assists).
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