Zhas Kyran suffer first defeat of the season! How it happened

On Tuesday, the teams met in a rescheduled Round 12 fixture – the other clubs had already played their matches back in July.

Games were played across all three age categories. While Zhas Kyran’s U16 side came out on top, and the U17 teams finished in a goalless draw, the main competition delivered a true sensation.

At first, nothing foreshadowed Zhas Kyran’s setback – the visitors opened the scoring in the 20th minute when Azamat Askaruly successfully converted a penalty. However, just ten minutes later, home forward Alexander Kozitskiy equalized.

In the second half, Tobol struck again – this time through Kuanysh Kuzembayev (59’). And in the 79th minute, Adai Ormanov sealed the final score with a precise shot: 3–1 to the Kostanay side.

“There was only one team on the pitch, and that was Tobol. I hardly saw my players. The opponent played very well, smartly, won everything everywhere and fully deserved the victory. I have an idea what influenced this match, but that’s our internal matter – we’ll sort it out,” admitted Zhas Kyran head coach Sergey Kirov.

“It was a very tough game. In the locker room, the coach reminded us that Zhas Kyran hadn’t lost this season, and sooner or later that streak had to end. He said some inspiring words – why shouldn’t it end against us? That really motivated me and the guys,” revealed Tobol goalkeeper Alisher Berikbayev, sharing the secret behind the victory.

This victory allowed Tobol to climb off the bottom of the table, with another game still in hand – they will face Aktobe on September 7.

As for Zhas Kyran, they are now 11 points behind Kairat with seven rounds left to play. Moreover, Kirov’s men failed to extend their lead over Shakhter – the Karaganda side remain just four points adrift.