Key Players and Clashes to Watch: What You Need to Know Before the First Round of the Freedom QJ League W

Irtysh vs. Shakhtyor

Last season, the girls from Pavlodar finished fifth out of twenty teams in the National Championship of Kazakhstan (NCK) for girls born in 2008–2009 — although they competed under the Aksu badge at the time. Shakhter’s team from Karaganda, meanwhile, placed tenth.

In last year’s head-to-head meeting, today’s hosts came out on top with a 3–1 win. Aksu’s goals were scored by Elizaveta Medvedeva and Valeria Kosareva — both of whom will continue to represent Pavlodar this season. Shakhter also retained the player who scored their lone goal in that match — Saida Dyusembayeva.

Kairat vs. Zhetisu

A year ago, Kairat’s girls finished second in the NCK, while Zhetisu from Taldykorgan placed 15th.

Two players from the yellow-and-blacks received individual awards: Zhaniya Makhash was named Best Midfielder, and Angelina Klenova was recognized as Best Forward. Both are registered for the upcoming season, and Kairat — who have won every youth tournament they’ve entered in the Freedom QJ League — have high expectations once again.

Astana vs. Tobol

The capital’s team finished fourth in last year’s NCK, while Tobol placed sixth. Astana’s Asyl Pazyl was the tournament’s top scorer — and she’ll now look to repeat that success in the Freedom QJ League.

Pazyl, notably, scored one of the two unanswered goals against Tobol in their last encounter. The other was scored by Zarema Maksot — who could once again face the Kostanay side this weekend.

Ordabasy vs. Aktobe

The team from Shymkent are the reigning champions of Kazakhstan among girls born in 2008–2009.

Asel Zholbolat was named the best player of last season, while Zarina Khaitmetova was recognized as the best goalkeeper. Both have since moved on to senior-level football, while a younger generation will now represent Ordabasy in the QJ League.

As for Aktobe, the red-and-whites finished 11th in the NCK. Their match against Ordabasy ended in a 0–4 defeat — but none of the southern side’s goal scorers from that game are registered for the upcoming Freedom QJ League season.