Irtysh Defeats Astana, High Tensions in Aktobe: Matchday IV Recap of the Freedom QJ League W

Zhetisu Put Up a Fight Against Shakhtyor

The clash in Karaganda ended with a win for the home side, but hope for a comeback stayed alive for Taldykorgan fans until the final minutes. Zhetisu were the first to take the lead – albeit thanks to an own goal by Valeria Druz in the 11th minute.

Saida Dyussembayeva and Danagul Akhmetzhan quickly turned things around: just five minutes after the own goal, Shakhtyor went ahead. In the 26th minute, the visitors equalized through Nuray Bolatova, but Dyussembayeva struck again before halftime to complete her brace.

Sergey Polenov’s team held onto a slim lead for most of the second half, keeping Zhetisu’s hopes alive. However, the upset never came – in the 88th minute, Akhmetzhan extended the margin.

Both of Dyussembayeva’s goals were assisted by Damira Maksat – she now shares the top spot in the season’s assist rankings with Zhaniya Makhash.

Irtysh Back in the Race

One of the key storylines of Matchday IV was the clash between Irtysh and Astana. After a bright start in the season opener, the Pavlodar side suffered two consecutive defeats, while the capital team had been co-leading the league with Kairat – though their most recent win had not come easy.

Irtysh came out strong, with Polina Arlanova opening the scoring in the 3rd minute off a pass from Aisana Akhmedian. In the 78th, Akhmedian got on the scoresheet herself, doubling her team’s lead. Astana managed to respond only in stoppage time through a goal by Assyl Pazyl.

Despite the loss, Astana remain second in the standings, edging out Shakhtyor on goal difference. But the table has tightened significantly – just three points now separate second from sixth.

Confident Display by Kairat

The Almaty side had no trouble in their match against Ordabasy, scoring five unanswered goals in Shymkent and, capitalizing on Astana’s slip-up, securing sole possession of the top spot in the standings.

Interestingly, it was the first match of the season where Sofia Yagudina left the pitch without a goal or assist. However, Angelina Oster stepped up with a brace and an assist, while Milena Nikolenko contributed a goal and an assist of her own.

Tensions Run High in Kazakhstan’s El Clasico

The showdown between Aktobe and Tobol lived up to the hype. The red-and-whites once again came away empty-handed, but the match was a fierce battle – ending 3-2 in favor of the visitors from Kostanay. Aktobe’s Alua Kaliyeva scored twice, while Tobol’s goals came from Anara Kabdykaparova, Assem Doskeeva, and Varvara Tsoy.

After the final whistle, a sudden conflict between players escalated into a scuffle. The aftermath was harsh: Aktobe’s Aray Tilegenova and Alsu Temirbekova received red cards, while Tobol’s Amura Karabayeva will miss the next match.