Ordabasy – second, Taraz snatched bronze from Shakhtyor: the results of the QJ League U18 tournament

Ordabasy, Taraz and Shakhtyor claimed the podium until the very end. It was clear that someone would have to be left without medals. And if the club from Shymkent guaranteed itself at least third place, both other teams could both win silverware and finish on the fourth line.

 

Ordabasy and did not falter – wards Abdukhalik Buribayev brought the winning streak to six matches, in the home walls defeated Zhas Kyran with a score of 4:0.

 

The visitors were playing in the minority: Nurgisa Mussayev was twice yellow carded for rude actions and had to leave the field on 58 minutes. It is worth noting the successful performance of Akhan Serik – he entered the game half an hour before the end of the game and managed to score a double.

 

Tthe team from Shymkent remained on the second line. Immediately after the match there was a solemn awarding ceremony. Ordabasy player Bagdaulet Nuraly with 22 goals became the top scorer of the tournament.

 

The main intrigue of the final week was decided in Taraz. The draw of the tournament grid brought together Askar Kushikbayev's team in a face-to-face meeting with direct rivals for the top-3 – Shakhtyor. A lot was at stake, so the match was expectedly exciting.

 

Karaganda opened the scoring on 58 minute through the efforts of Yerlan Tutkabayev, but they did not have to rejoice for long: Daulet Musretbek equalised on 65 minute. Closer to the end it seemed that there would be no more goals scored – the draw was favourable for Taraz.

 

The situation was heating up, which led to a mass scuffle between the teams in the last ten minutes. As a result, the teams were left with ten men on 87: Tutkabayev received a straight red card for unsportsmanlike behaviour, and Adilet Myrabilla of Taraz received a second yellow card. The referee also gave a warning to Sanzhar Kemelbek, the home team's forward, and Islam Kali, the visitors' defender.

 

Only a goal in the final minutes could save Shakhtyor, but instead Taraz scored again: David Dertsap, who came on in the 76th minute, sent the ball into the goal. It happened in stoppage time, and the top three became out of reach for the Karaganda side.

 

Pavel Zaitsev, the Pitmen's head coach, said that the fight was equal, but the hosts played better in the end – and congratulated Taraz on the bronze medal. He noted that thanks to the local fans, there was a good atmosphere at the stadium.

 

Shakhtyor captain Bogdan Chernobuk lamented the defeat: «We were determined only to win. We needed these medals, as we were in second place all season. Everything was in our hands, but we let it slip away. It's a shame to lose the prizes at the end». He also spoke positively about the atmosphere in Taraz, noting that such support from the local spectators motivated Shakhtyor even more strongly to move towards victory.

 

The flash interview of David Dertsap, who scored the winning goal, was almost interrupted prematurely: he was quickly surrounded by jubilant teammates. The player shared his positive emotions about the outcome of the match and admitted that he couldn't even fully express them in words.

 

«It's been seven months of labour, a lot of responsibility. Participating in such a tournament, you can't play badly: we perform for our fans. That's why I'm very happy to participate in such a project. To be on the podium of the QJ League is very honourable», - summed up the season head coach of Taraz Askar Kushikbayev.

 

He noted that the game with Shakhtyor was like the final – the match was tough, but his charges showed character and won. The coach shared his joy and pride that his players are growing. The boys have spirit and character, the specialist emphasised.

 

Kushikbayev wished a speedy recovery of the team leader – Nurdaulet Orynbassar. Taraz's top scorer was injured in the first half and was replaced by Daulet Musretbek.

 

After the important victory of Taraz people came out on the field en masse: there, in the atmosphere of universal joy, the South were awarded bronze medals.

 

Competitions are officially completed. Ahead – the solemn closing of the season, which will be held on 1 November in Almaty.