One Title, Three Contenders: Freedom QJ League B Matchweek 16 Recap

Khan-Tengri reclaim top spot

The Matchweek’s headline fixture took place in Almaty, where two teams from the top three went head-to-head. Khan-Tengri defeated Zhenis 3–1 to move back into first place.

Zhanadi Zhumabek opened the scoring as early as the 3rd minute, but the visitors managed to level before the break through Ilya Goryachikh. The game was decided late on: Timur Deshko put the hosts back in front in the 79th minute, before Zhumabek completed his brace four minutes later.

The victory was also revenge for the Almaty side – in Matchweek 7, Zhenis had thrashed them 5–1 in the capital.

Jaiyq move above Zhenis

Jaiyq also took advantage of Zhenis dropping points. In Uralsk, Ruslan Zhangirov’s side defeated Qyzyljar 1–0. Supyan Khasanov scored the only goal in the 9th minute.

The hosts still boast the best defensive record in the competition, having conceded just 13 goals in 16 matches.

Jaiyq and Zhenis now both have 34 points, but the Uralsk side sit second thanks to two victories in their head-to-head meetings (2–0 and 1–0).

Five goals for Zhetysu

The highest-scoring match of the Matchweek took place in Balpyk Bi, where Zhetysu hosted Okzhetpes and won 5–1.

The visitors made the better start, with Arsen Arapov opening the scoring in the 4th minute for his 10th goal of the season.

From there, however, everything went the hosts’ way. Adil Amangazy scored twice, before Madi Salimov and Aibyn Dauletuly also found the net. Substitute Tamirlan Smagul completed the scoring – he needed just one minute on the pitch to score.

It was Zhetysu’s biggest win of the season and also revenge for their 4–0 defeat to Okzhetpes in the reverse fixture. Both teams now have 26 points, but the Kokshetau side remain fourth on goal difference.

Atyrau climb to sixth

Atyrau recorded their biggest win of the season, giving Ontustyk no chance in a 4–0 victory. Yaroslav Bortnik, Ayan Garipulla, Nursultan Zhomart and Yasin Alpamys were all on the scoresheet.

The outcome was effectively decided before half-time: the hosts were three goals ahead by the 44th minute, and a minute later the visitors were reduced to ten men after Meirambek Zhunis received his second yellow card.

Atyrau moved up to sixth place with 19 points, while Ontustyk (18) dropped to seventh. The Shymkent side will also be without two players when they host Khan-Tengri in the next Matchweek: in addition to the suspended Zhunis, Arnur Turdiyev will miss the game after collecting four yellow cards.

Altay let victory slip again in Semey

The Matchweek’s only draw proved to be a dramatic one. Altay twice took the lead away to Yelimay. Yaroslav Vishnevetskiy opened the scoring in the 15th minute, and after Alibek Turysbek equalised, Kirill Kenzhigulov restored the visitors’ advantage.

The bottom side could not hold on, however. In the 87th minute, Sanzhar Bekenov rescued a 2–2 draw for Yelimay. Interestingly, the teams produced a similar scenario in Matchweek 7: Altay were leading 2–1 until the 86th minute, only to concede twice late on and leave without a point.

After 16 matches, Altay still have just one victory and remain bottom of the table with seven points. Yelimay are eighth with 16 points.

What’s next

There are two Matchweeks left in the season, and the top three have already secured the medal positions. Their nearest challenger, Okzhetpes (26), are eight points behind third place.

The title race, however, will only be decided at the finish. Khan-Tengri (36) travel to Ontustyk before hosting Atyrau. Jaiyq (34) face Atyrau away and Okzhetpes at home, while Zhenis (34) host Yelimay before travelling to face Zhetysu.

Top scorer after Matchweek 16: Zhanadi Zhumabek (Khan-Tengri, 12 goals).
Assist leader after Matchweek 16: Nuraly Sabyrzhan (Okzhetpes, 6 assists).