Freedom QJ League W – Matchweek 4: What players and coaches said

Irtysh – Astana, 2:1

Ramina Omarova, Astana defender:

– It was a good game. We probably lacked finishing. There were many chances we should have converted.

If we hadn’t conceded that early goal, I think we would’ve scored first, and the match could’ve gone differently.

Bolat Saginbayev, Astana head coach:

– Thanks to our opponents. We completely failed the first half, conceded early. The game was chaotic, we couldn’t hold the ball. In the second half, we made changes, gained some control, but missed our chances and conceded again on a counter. The final score is 2:1. We need to work on finishing.

Anastasia Gordeeva, Irtysh defender:

– It was a good match, we fought until the end. I had a few good moments but just missed the ball.

The first goal we scored in two minutes was memorable and beautiful. The second goal really helped us keep the win.

Kseniya Postovaya, Irtysh head coach:

– Thanks for the game. Congrats to everyone on the win. But the team didn’t follow the game plan. As a coach, I’m not satisfied.

We created very few chances, sat too deep in defense. I think the pressure played a role — we needed the three points badly. The fatigue also showed. Might give the team a few days off.

Astana is a strong side. Their structure is solid, they play two-touch, fast. This win feels like a breath of fresh air for us.

Shakhtyor – Zhetysu, 4:2

Ainur Anuarbek, Zhetysu midfielder:

– Congratulations to Shakhtyor. We were close, played well. The opponent is very technical and strong.

Kanat Sagimov, Zhetysu head coach:

– Thank you for inviting us to participate in the Freedom QJ League. This is the first time our girls’ team plays at this level.

The weather in Karaganda was perfect for football. The conditions here are excellent. Shakhtyor plays solid football with great coordination.

We’ll keep learning and preparing. We could’ve equalized at the end. But considering the opponent’s class, we showed everything we could for now.

There’s room for improvement. We also have national team prospects, just like you. Let’s keep working and avoid injuries. Congrats to Shakhtyor again.

Danagul Akhmetzhan, Shakhtyor midfielder:

– It was a hard-fought match. Both sides attacked and defended well. We struggled a bit in the first half but came out stronger in the second and scored the winning goals.

Personal goals? Just moving forward, working every day.

I dedicated the first goal to our media officers as promised, and the second to my family, friends, and all of Karaganda.

Sergey Polenov, Shakhtyor head coach:

– It was a nerve-wracking game. I warned the girls, but they kept looking at the standings.

We scored, but also conceded. Made some adjustments at halftime. The midfield didn’t perform as I wanted — too many errors and rushed decisions.

The match was even. Any team can challenge others in this league. Maybe the win over Orda gave us overconfidence. This is a lesson.

Respect to Zhetysu — they gave a real fight.

Ordabasy – Kairat, 0:5

Yerbol Sarman, Ordabasy head coach:

– Tough game. Congrats to Kairat. Our girls are younger. We’ll learn and develop.

Diana Sitnikova, Ordabasy forward:

– We tried our best but didn’t succeed. Thanks to the opponents.

Aya Muttari, Kairat midfielder:

– It was a tough, but good game. Ordabasy pressed well and made it hard for us.

Eldar Gasanov, Kairat assistant coach:

– It was an interesting match. Both teams were solid. We stuck to the plan and got the win. But we didn’t expect such a score.

Aktobe – Tobol, 2:3

Anara Kabdykaparova, Tobol defender:

– Tough match. We were up 3:0, but got too relaxed after halftime. It ended 3:2.

There was a bit of a conflict after the match. It was hard. We argued. But I think we’ll resolve it. I dedicate this win to our fans and family.

Denis Safronov, Tobol head coach:

– First half was total domination. Second half — we lacked strength.

Apologies for the players’ behavior at the end. We wanted football, but got an unnecessary scandal.

Despite the rain, the pitch held up well. Organization was top notch. Freedom QJ League maintains its high standards.

Azamat Zhitpisbayev, Aktobe head coach:

– It was a tough game. The first half didn’t go well. We conceded early. Big thanks to the girls for fighting till the end.

We fell just short at the end. Emotions ran high. We’ll sort it out.

Tomiris Balniyazova, Aktobe forward:

– It was a hard game for us. Nothing worked in the first half. But in the second half, we pulled together.

As for the scuffle — we were wrong. Admitting that is a sign of strength. We’ll learn and not repeat it.