Looking Ahead to the Rematches: What to Know Before Matchweek 8 of the Freedom QJ League W

Shakhtyor – Irtysh

The opening fixture of the season is being repeated — but this time, Irtysh will play as the away side.

Let’s recall: in Pavlodar, the “Cinderellas” lost 1–5. Since then, Sergey Polenov’s team had a strong run, but they’ve now lost three consecutive matches — largely due to the departure of key players to the senior squad.

However, the players of Shakhtyor will surely be highly motivated to take revenge for that heavy loss. On top of that, Irtysh aren't in top form either — in the previous matchweek, Ksenia Postova’s team lost to Aktobe.

Tobol – Astana

In Matchweek 1, Astana beat Tobol 2–0 at home. But away games are significantly tougher for the capital side. In the first half of the season, Bolat Saginbayev’s team won just one away match — against Zhetysu.

Tobol, for their part, went four games unbeaten — including draws against Irtysh and Ordabasy — before being heavily defeated by Kairat. Can the yellow-greens return to that unbeaten path in this round?

Zhetysu – Kairat

The team that won all seven matches of the first half of the season will face the team that lost every single game so far. Kairat’s Angelina Oster will surely try to score and increase her lead over Asyl Pazyl in the top scorer race. Will the Taldykorgan side be able to stop her?

Aktobe – Ordabasy

This upcoming match is crucial for the resurgent Red and Whites — not only because Ordabasy won the reverse fixture in the first half of the season, but also because a loss here could seriously damage their medal hopes.

Ordabasy currently sit third with 10 points (same as Irtysh), while Aktobe are fifth with 9.

One of the key players in Aktobe’s recent winning streak has been Aziza Talap — she’s scored five goals in the last three games. Will she improve that record? We’ll find out very soon.