Matchweek 14 of the Freedom QJ League is in the books. Here are the main storylines from the younger age categories of League A.
Freedom QJ League U-17
Major setback for Shakhter
The biggest story of the U-17 Matchweek was Shakhter’s defeat in Astana. The capital side scored three goals before half-time, with Daniel Tsoy, Amir Asatov and Arnur Kuandykuly all finding the net. Altair Kurmanbekov provided two assists.
The Miners could only respond through a Timur Kazantsev penalty, giving Kairat the opportunity to open up a three-point lead in the title race. The Almaty side, however, are yet to take advantage of that chance, with their match against Aktobe scheduled for 12 August.
Ordabasy strengthen their position
The match between KFF Academy and Ordabasy at Pele Stadium proved to be a closely contested affair. Home midfielder Abzal Adilkhan opened the scoring in the 13th minute. Temur Sultaniyasov soon equalised, but only a few minutes later KFF Academy regained the lead as Dinur Kabyl converted from the penalty spot.
Despite a difficult first half, Ordabasy managed to turn the game around after the break. Alikhan Adil levelled the score in the 65th minute, before Muhammad Egamberdiyev converted Sultaniyasov’s assist late on to seal a 3-2 away victory.
Ordabasy remain third in the table, but have reduced the gap to Shakhter to six points.
Irtysh end their winless run
The match in Pavlodar ended well for the hosts, as Alexey Sorokin’s side claimed their first victory since late June and picked up their first points in five Matchweeks.
They built a solid advantage in the first half through goals from Daniyal Iskakov and Sain Kazhmukhan. Taraz, however, fought back after the interval, with Shyngys Kairat first assisting Arslan Zhylyzbek before scoring himself.
Nevertheless, the hosts were awarded a penalty in the 81st minute, and Sain Kazhmukhan made no mistake to complete his brace.
Freedom QJ League U-16
Aktobe cause another upset!
Kairat U-16 were surely highly motivated to beat the only team to take points off them in the first half of the season – Aktobe. However, the Red and Whites once again earned a draw, this time in Almaty.
While their previous meeting ended 1-1, this time the Almaty side were unable to break down the visitors’ defence over the full 80 minutes.
Shakhter took advantage of Kairat’s dropped points by thrashing Astana 6-1, although the leaders still hold a significant advantage. The second-placed Miners trail Kairat by five points. Aktobe, meanwhile, now have 22 points and sit fifth in the table.
Medal race in full swing
The U-16 competition remains extremely tight, and the latest matches only added to the intrigue. Astana, who suffered a heavy defeat, are currently ninth with 18 points, but are only seven points behind third-placed Atletico, who have 25.
Ordabasy (24), Aktobe (22), Tobyl (21), Irtysh (20) and Zhas Kyran (19) also remain firmly in the medal race, setting up a highly competitive run of upcoming Matchweeks.
Freedom QJ League U-15
Ten goals in Aktau
The match between the younger sides of Caspiy and Tobyl produced plenty of goals, ending 7-3 in favour of the visitors.
Despite the hosts opening the scoring, the Kostanay side created far more successful attacks. Ruslan Plyaskovskiy was the most productive player of the match with a brace and an assist. Alizhan Amirtayev also scored twice, while Nurzhalgas Seilbek, Ismedzhan Bermukhambet and Ildar Zharmagambetov each found the net once.
A reminder that the U-15 match between Ordabasy and Atletico will take place on 26 August.
Top scorers after Matchweek 14
Freedom QJ League U-17: Temirlan Abzhapar (Kairat) and Timur Tugambekov (Zhas Kyran), 10 goals each;
Freedom QJ League U-16: Balakhmet Adilbek (Tobyl), 13 goals;
Freedom QJ League U-15: Abylai Tursyn (Kairat), 21 goals.
Top assist providers after Matchweek 14
Freedom QJ League U-17: Temirlan Abzhapar (Kairat), 9 assists;
Freedom QJ League U-16: Alikhan Karim (Shakhter), 9 assists;
Freedom QJ League U-15: Abdurakhim Ongarbek (Kairat), 11 assists.
