Top Three Stay Perfect: Freedom QJ League Matchweek 17 Recap

Kairat’s Early Title Celebration Put on Hold

All three teams at the top won their matches – making the shape of the medal race increasingly clear. However, the teams and supporters did not receive any final mathematical answers in this Matchweek.

Kairat did everything in their power to secure the title with five matches to spare – thrashing Kaisar 9–0.

Four Kairat players scored braces: Alikhan Zhumabek, Daulet Orynbasar, Sultanali Abduali and Alikhan Ramazanov. Islam Rakym added another goal. The opener came as early as the second minute, while the final goal was scored in the 69th.

The only negative for the Yellow-Blacks was Sultanali Abduali’s second yellow card late in the game – the forward will miss the next Matchweek.

Following Kairat’s victory, the prospect of an early title depended on the match in Karaganda – and Shakhter supporters had to endure a nervous evening. The hosts scored against Akademiya KFF as early as the fourth minute, but Baizhan Askhat soon put the ball into his own net – bringing the score level.

The draw remained on the scoreboard until the 75th minute, when Damir Yusupbekov found the net – and 2–1 was the score recorded in the final match report.

Had Shakhter dropped points, they would not only have given the Yellow-Blacks another reason to celebrate but also allowed Ordabasy to move dangerously close – instead, the Miners remain six points clear of the Shymkent side.

Ordabasy themselves had to work hard for a 1–0 away win over Caspiy. The match in Aktau was decided by a single goal from Nurasyl Sheraly late in the first half.

Goal Fest in Pavlodar

The opening day of the Matchweek began with Irtysh taking on Aktobe. The spectators were treated to plenty of goals – with the two teams scoring nine between them.

Ibrakhim Bauyrzhanov, Asher Askhat and Ayan Amanzhulov all scored twice for Aktobe. Bauyrzhanov also provided three assists, while Askhat contributed two. In other words, the trio delivered an outstanding attacking performance.

All three Irtysh goals were scored by one player – Aldiyar Smagulov. Two came from open play, while the third was converted from the penalty spot.

As a result, the Pavlodar side remain bottom of the standings with 12 points. Aktobe sit fifth on 32 points but still have a chance to challenge for the bronze medal.

Hard-Fought Win for Tobyl

The match in Taraz ended in a 3–2 defeat for the hosts against the visitors from Kostanay. Tobyl midfielder Roman Gavrilyuk opened the scoring in the 37th minute, but Galymzhan Orazaliyev equalised after the break.

Soon afterwards, the visitors were awarded a penalty, which Ruslan Dzhetenov successfully converted. In the 82nd minute, Riza Zhumagul added a third to extend Tobyl’s lead. Taraz nevertheless managed to cut the deficit to one in stoppage time – with Remzi Ali-Ogly setting the final score.

Notably, the hosts registered twice as many shots on target as Tobyl – 10 to 5. Goalkeeper Daniil Nurzhanov once again played an important role in the Kostanay side’s victory.

Zhas Kyran Rescue a Point Late On

The match between Astana and Zhas Kyran ended in a 1–1 draw.

For much of the game, many spectators expected a different outcome. Ibrakhim Kumbai put the capital side ahead in the 48th minute, and the score remained unchanged for a long time. However, Zhas Kyran finally found an equaliser in stoppage time through Nurbol Nurlan.

The tense finish saw several players lose their composure – as a result, Sergey Sharunov of Zhas Kyran and Tair Dulat of Astana were sent off after the match. In addition, two defenders will miss the next Matchweek due to yellow-card accumulation – Damir Kunshuak of Zhas Kyran and Nuraly Begaly of Astana.

Astana are now ninth with 16 points, three behind Taraz. Zhas Kyran remain fourth on 25 points, but the gap to Ordabasy (32) has widened further. Five Matchweeks remain.

Top scorer after Matchweek 17: Daulet Orynbasar (Kairat, 19 goals).
Top assist provider after Matchweek 17: Ayan Amanzhulov (Aktobe, 8 assists).