The fourth week of the Freedom QJ League is behind us. Here are the main storylines from the younger age categories of League A.
Freedom QJ League U-15: Only One Leader Remains
The clash between the two leaders of the youngest age category this season – Kairat and Tobol – ended in a dominant home victory for the Almaty side (8-1).
The biggest contributions came from Abdurakhim Ongarbek (a hat-trick and an assist) and Dias Abubakir (a brace and two assists). Yussuf Abdurakhmonov recorded 1+1, while Bauyrzhan Bulatov and Artem Tyan each scored once. Ilfrat Yelakayev provided two assists.
Interestingly, Tobol’s consolation goal was scored by Bolat Taigara, who needed just seven minutes to make an impact after coming on in the 69th minute.
Freedom QJ League U-16: Ordabasy and Shakhter Stay on Course
Moving on to the next age category, both Ordabasy and Shakhter – who moved ahead of Kairat after the Almaty side dropped points in Matchweek 3 – managed to preserve their advantage over the weekend.
Ordabasy defeated Kaisar 3-1, while Shakhter edged Aktobe 2-1.
Kairat also secured a victory, scoring three unanswered goals against Tobol, meaning the leaders cannot afford to relax. In the next round, the yellow-and-blacks will face their closest challengers, Atletico.
Freedom QJ League U-17: Abzhapar Keeps Impressing
Kairat and Shakhter continue to lead the U-17 championship standings. The Almaty side cruised past Tobol away from home, scoring seven unanswered goals.
Temirlan Abzhapar played a key role in the rout, contributing to six of his team’s goals – three goals (including one penalty) and three assists. The Kairat midfielder now leads both the top scorers’ race and the assists ranking in the tournament.
Shakhter, meanwhile, had to work hard for a 2-1 away victory over Aktobe. The hosts opened the scoring in the first half through Arsen Baizhanov, but shortly after the break Timur Kazantsev equalized.
In the 58th minute, the miners were reduced to ten men after Aidar Kuanyshbek received a red card for stopping a promising attack. Despite that setback, Shakhter still managed to score the winner in the 80th minute thanks to Artem Lyaschuk.
Impressive Comebacks
Shakhter U-17’s comeback victory was not the only dramatic turnaround of the week.
Shakhter’s younger side failed to beat Aktobe in the U-15 tournament, but managed to recover from a two-goal deficit as the match ended 2-2. The goal that secured the draw was scored by Karaganda side goalkeeper Askhat Amangeldy.
Another remarkable comeback came from Zhas Kyran’s 2010-born squad. By the 32nd minute, the Almaty side was trailing Irtysh 0-2 at home, with Sain Kazhmukhan scoring both goals for the visitors.
However, the hosts turned the game around: Amirkhan Tursyn scored twice, while Timur Tugambekov netted the decisive goal.
For Irtysh, it was a fourth consecutive defeat – the Pavlodar side is still without points in the U-17 tournament.
Top Scorers After Matchweek 4
Freedom QJ League U-17: Temirlan Abzhapar (Kairat, 6 goals);
Freedom QJ League U-16: Balakhmet Adilbek (Tobol, 6 goals);
Freedom QJ League U-15: Dias Abubakir (Kairat, 6 goals).
Top Assist Providers After Matchweek 4
Freedom QJ League U-17: Temirlan Abzhapar (Kairat, 5 assists);
Freedom QJ League U-16: Ramazan Keleshkhan (Ordabasy) and Damir Alibayev (Tobol, 4 assists each);
Freedom QJ League U-15: Ilfrat Yelakayev (Kairat) and Sanzhar Baidauletov (Aktobe, 4 assists each).
