Freedom QJ League W Matchweek 13 Review: Silver and Bronze Still Up for Grabs

Astana taking big risks

The capital side pushed hard at home to beat Kairat and secure silver medals, but the clash at the Football House ended in favor of Oksana Kokhanna’s team – 3:5. Between the 70th and 90th minutes the gap was just one goal, so the intrigue lasted right until the end.

It is worth noting that the Almaty players earned this win while being one woman down – Milana Golovkova received a straight red in the 20th minute for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.

The key figures for the visitors were Milena Nikolenko (hat-trick), Angelina Oster (goal+assist), Oksana Nikitchenko (goal), and Zhanya Makhash (two assists). For Astana, Aizada Adilbek (1+1), Sofya Rybak, and Zarema Maksot found the net.

Despite suffering three straight defeats, Astana still sit second in the standings. However, Irtysh are now breathing down their necks – which makes the last-round match against Shakhtyor crucial for Astana.

No medals for Tobol and Ordabasy

The match in Kostanay ended without a winner – Amura Karabayeva’s early goal in the 6th minute was answered by Diana Sitnikova in the 38th. 1:1, and neither the hosts nor the visitors can now make the top three.

To make matters worse, Ordabasy will face Zhetysu in the last round without Sitnikova, who was sent off in the dying minutes.

Irtysh cannot relax

Irtysh smashed Zhetysu 1:16 in Taldykorgan – equaling the record for the biggest win in League history.

Anastasia Gordeyeva scored a penta-trick, Polina Arlanova bagged a hat-trick, and Aruzhan Ospanova contributed a brace plus two assists. Aisana Akhmediyan (2+1), Ayazhan Islyamgaliqyzy (1+1), Sabina Aitchanova (1+1), and Valeria Kosareva (1+1) also scored, while one goal came from an own goal by Zhetysu defender Diana Kurmetzhankyzy.

Zhetysu’s consolation goal was scored by midfielder Balzhan Tolemis.

Despite the huge win, Irtysh remain in a dangerous position. Their final-round game against Aktobe will be decisive – with the right results, a win could bring them silver, while a loss would leave them outside the top three.

Shakhtyor at risk of finishing second from bottom

In Aktobe, the home side beat Shakhtyor’s “Cinderella” team 2:1. Goals from Aziza Talap and Aizhan Yesirkepova were answered by a neat combination from Damira Maksat and Saida Dyussembayeva – but the visitors couldn’t equalize.

Shakhtyor now sit in 7th place. In the final round, they will host Astana – how will this clash end?