The Main Tournament Returns: Preview of Matchweek 16 in the Freedom QJ League

Ordabasy – Tobol: Do Kostanay still have energy left?

At first glance, Shymkent side appear to have the advantage. Tobol had to play their rescheduled Matchday 12 clash against Zhas Kyran this week, which may have left them tired. On the other hand, Oleg Lotov’s men pulled off a sensation in that very match, becoming the first team this season to beat the Almaty giants.

For Ordabasy, dropping points is undesirable – with seven rounds left, they are four points behind third place. This match promises to be intriguing.

Zhas Kyran – Shakhter: Can the Miners catch up?

The central fixture of the week pits Karaganda’s side against the leaders. After Zhas Kyran’s first defeat of the season, their gap over Shakhter has been reduced to just four points. If the Miners win this weekend, the difference will shrink to a single point.

Taraz – Caspiy: Can the underdog spring a surprise?

Caspiy dropped back to last place after Tobol’s midweek win. Moreover, the Kostanay side still have a rescheduled match against Aktobe, meaning the gap could grow further.

The team from Aktau haven’t won in five straight matches, yet they managed to take points off Kairat, Kaisar, and Irtysh in that stretch. They lost their first encounter with Taraz at home – and now the chance for revenge is appealing.

Aktobe – Irtysh: No room for concessions

Before the All Star break, Aktobe suffered their heaviest defeat of the season, losing 1–8 at home to Ordabasy. They will be determined to make amends in front of their fans.

Irtysh, meanwhile, have struggled after a heavy loss to Kairat, drawing against both Caspiy and Kaisar. The Pavlodar side remain in the chase for Shakhter and Zhas Kyran. While they trail the Miners by only one point, the gap to Almaty is five. If Irtysh want to keep their biggest ambitions alive, mistakes are no longer an option.

Kaisar – Kairat: Will it be tougher for the Almaty side?

The “Wolves” remain the league’s “kings of draws” – in the last six matches, only Zhas Kyran managed to beat them. Now they will host another Almaty club. Kairat are the clear favorites of both the match and the season, but some intrigue remains – after all, the yellow-blacks previously dropped points against Caspiy.

Atyrau – Astana: Abraev in fine form

August has been memorable for Maksat Abraev. After scoring against Atlético, he returned to Almaty and netted a last-minute winner for Astana’s youth side against Okzhetpes in the Second League.

Now comes a tough away trip to Atyrau. Can he help his team secure vital points to stay in touch with the leaders?