The main intrigue is in the medal race: Review of Matchweek 12 of the Freedom QJ League W

Astana loses in Shymkent!

Earlier we reported that Kairat, having thrashed Shakhter, had already secured the league title ahead of schedule. As it turned out, this would have happened even if the Almaty side had lost to the “Cinderellas” – because Astana failed to cope with Ordabasy.

The Shymkent team opened the scoring in the 15th minute thanks to Diana Sitnikova. The visitors had a chance to equalize from the penalty spot, but Sabina Usen saved Alziya Zhambyl’s attempt. After the break, Milana Alidze doubled the lead. Astana responded only in the 66th minute through Aliya Boranbay.

However, it was not the start of a comeback – in the 77th minute Aizere Mamyt scored the third goal for the southerners. Although Astana quickly pulled one back through Alziya Zhambyl, they could not find an equalizer – 3:2 to Ordabasy.

The intrigue lives on

Astana’s failure benefited not only the Shymkent side, but also Irtysh. The Pavlodar club defeated Tobol at home thanks to a brace from Elizaveta Medvedeva, thus keeping their mathematical chances of silver alive.

With two rounds left, Irtysh trails Astana by five points. The capital side will face Kairat next and then finish the season against Shakhter, while Kseniya Postova’s team will play against Zhetysu and Aktobe. Thus, Irtysh must win both matches and hope for Astana’s slip-ups. Astana, on the other hand, is guaranteed at least bronze medals and will not fall out of the top three.

Aktobe crushes Zhetysu

Zhetysu still cannot collect points. Their away trip to Aktobe ended in disaster – the red-and-whites netted twelve goals against the Taldykorgan side.

Particularly impressive were Aziza Talap (hat-trick and assist), Aliya Samat (2+2), Malika Askarova (2+1), and Aizhan Yesirkepova (two goals). Tomiris Balniyazova, Aizere Kuanyshkali, and Gulden Sakirova also scored once each.

The result was also influenced by the sending off of Zhetysu’s key player Nurai Bolatova, who received a second yellow card in the 64th minute.

Interestingly, this match featured as many as five goalkeepers – in Aktobe, Angelina Zhdanova was replaced by debutant Maria Tatarnova, while for Zhetysu the goal was defended in turns by Arua Daneker, Arina Steblyanko, and Erkzhezhan Zhaltay.