Sensation in Almaty, first win for Caspiy: what to know about Matchweek VIII of Freedom QJ League

Zhas Kyran stops Kairat

One of the biggest shocks came in the clash between two Almaty sides in the main tournament: Zhas Kyran held out away against Kairat. The game at Timur Segizbayev Stadium ended 2–2.

By the 68th minute, it looked like Zhas Kyran would suffer their first defeat of the season – Kairat led 2–0 thanks to goals by Abylay Toleukhan (from a set piece) and Daulet Orynbassar (penalty). But Nurislam Kairatuly turned the tide: he scored one himself and assisted Ramzan Mussayev in the 88th minute. Kairat dropped points for the first time this season.

Interestingly, Zhas Kyran had only three shots on target – and two of them went in.

Clash of contenders ends in draw

A high-stakes showdown between two medal contenders – Astana and Shakhtyor – ended in a stalemate, just as expected.
In the main tournament, Nurkhan Kagazbayev and Miras Kuat gave Shakhtyor a 2–0 lead, but Nail Mynzhassarov pulled one back before halftime. Then, in the 54th minute, Alen Pak equalized – and no more goals were scored. As a result, Shakhtyor and Astana remain level on points, with Shakhtyor ahead due to tiebreakers.

In the U-17 clash, Shakhtyor’s Rustam Saifimilyukov scored in stoppage time to secure a dramatic win.

Meanwhile, Astana’s 2010-born squad defeated their rivals 3–1 thanks to goals by Arnur Kuandykuly, Karim Bakhytzhan, and Alan Diyan. Yelnar Zholdykanov netted the only goal for the visitors.

Irtysh back to winning ways – with new heroes

Despite two straight losses, Irtysh remained among the leaders. In Matchweek VII, they hosted Tobol and crushed them 6–0.

Almas Rakhimbek (2 goals, 1 assist) and Beybarys Abilmanov (1 goal, 2 assists) stood out with their most productive performances of the season.

Precious win for Caspiy

No more winless teams in the main tournament – Caspiy finally broke the drought with a home win over Ordabasy.

Alikhan Zhumabay scored in the 4th minute, but Maxim Gamayunov equalized in the 11th.
In the 55th minute, Caspiy had a chance to pull ahead, but Didar Izturgan missed a penalty.
It looked like it would end in a draw, but in stoppage time, defender Yerassyl Koshkeldi smashed in a long-range winner.

Caspiy remain bottom of the table, but with 14 matchweeks left, everything’s still to play for. Ordabasy have now lost three straight and are six points off the podium.

A great weekend for Kaisar

Matchweek VII also went perfectly for Kaisar: all of the club's youth teams defeated their Aktobe peers – and the U-17 and U-16 squads claimed their first victories.

The 2009 and 2010-born teams both won 1–0 thanks to goals from Bakdaulet Mukhatay and Bekzat Kylyshbay, respectively.

In the main tournament, the match featured more goals. Kaisar struck first via Alibek Zharilkassynuly in the 10th minute, with Islam Nuradinov making it 1–1 ten minutes later. But in the 57th minute, Zhanbolat Azimkhan scored the winner.