We look at what to expect from the upcoming U-18 matches.
Tobyl – Kaisar
Tobyl scored fewer goals than any other team in the first half of the championship, finding the net just 10 times in 11 rounds. At the same time, they also conceded only 10 goals, with only Kairat and Shakhter boasting better defensive records. As a result, Tobyl are the only team in the tournament with a goal difference of zero and sit sixth in the standings. Goalkeeper Daniil Nurzhanov deserves special credit: his 82% save rate is the best among the League’s first-choice goalkeepers.
Kaisar, meanwhile, have recorded three consecutive draws, including a thrilling 4:4 encounter in Aktobe. The Wolves have been more prolific than the Kostanay side, scoring 16 goals, but they have also conceded far more – 32.
The first meeting in Kyzylorda was decided by a single goal: the Wolves claimed a 1:0 victory in the thousandth match in League history. This time, Tobyl will have to play without Riza Zhumagul after the defender received a red card. Can Oleg Lotov’s team take revenge?
Astana – Caspiy
The capital side will undoubtedly be eager to make amends in front of their supporters. Astana suffered a heavy 1:4 defeat against Ordabasy in the previous round and dropped to seventh place.
Caspiy, meanwhile, are bottom of the standings with two victories and nine defeats. However, Astana only managed a narrow 2:1 away win in Aktau in the first round, meaning they should not expect an easy encounter.
The upcoming battle between the assist providers is also worth following. Astana’s Amandyk Khamidullin is tied with two other players at the top of the tournament’s assist chart with five, while Alikhan Zhumabai remains Caspiy’s main creative force with two goals and four assists.
Zhas Kyran – KFF Academy
Zhas Kyran have lost momentum, collecting just one point from their last four rounds. The Almaty side remain fourth, but their pursuers are closing in: Aktobe are one point behind, Tobyl trail by two, while the gap to third-placed Ordabasy has grown to three points.
KFF Academy, meanwhile, suffered a 1:2 defeat against Tobyl in Kostanay in the previous round and currently sit ninth. The first meeting between these teams was an entertaining one, with Zhas Kyran winning 3:2. Which side will be sharper in attack this time?
Irtysh – Kairat
Kairat have maintained a perfect record this season: 11 victories in 11 rounds, 48 goals scored and only four conceded. Their first-round meeting with Irtysh produced the biggest victory of the season so far – 12:0.
It is worth noting, however, that Irtysh have collected all their points at home, recording two victories and two draws, while losing all six of their away matches. In the previous round, the Pavlodar side defeated Caspiy 3:1 on home soil and will undoubtedly try to put up a fight against the leaders.
Kairat’s suspensions could also help the hosts, as the visitors will be without two players. Alongside forward Nilesh Sharma, Alikhan Abdi will serve a suspension. The first-choice defender has played more than 900 minutes for the Yellow-Blacks and recorded three goals and one assist. Fantasy QJ League players should take this into account when selecting their squads.
Nevertheless, the visitors should remain dangerous in attack. Daulet Orynbasar and Roman Chernomorets have scored 10 goals each, while Abylai Zhilkaidar has seven. Irtysh goalkeeper Arseniy Katyetov is likely to face another demanding evening: he has already made 62 saves, more than any other goalkeeper in the League.
Taraz – Shakhter
Shakhter are firmly established in second place with 26 points, eight victories and two draws. Their only defeat came against Kairat. The Karaganda side beat Zhas Kyran 2:0 in the previous round and have shown no signs of slowing down, despite sitting seven points behind the leaders.
The visitors’ main weapon is well known: Rasul Akimov. The midfielder comfortably leads the scoring chart with 12 goals and is also first in the goal contributions ranking with 16.
Taraz, meanwhile, face a difficult challenge. The southern side have lost four consecutive matches and will now be without two players due to an accumulation of yellow cards: midfielder Akhan Yerboluly and forward Mukhammet Shukuraliyev, the team’s second-highest scorer with four goals and two assists. The hosts’ main hope is Rasul Nurmanbai, who has recorded six goals and two assists. In the first round, Shakhter defeated Taraz 2:0 in Karaganda.
Aktobe – Ordabasy
Sunday’s marquee fixture brings together two teams currently enjoying strong runs of form. Ordabasy have won three consecutive matches and consolidated third place, while Aktobe are unbeaten in six rounds, recording three victories and three draws.
The implications for the standings are clear: a home victory would reduce Aktobe’s gap to the bronze-medal position to one point, while an Ordabasy win would increase the difference between the teams to seven.
The match will also feature a battle between the League’s leading assist providers. Aktobe’s Ayan Amanzhulov and Ordabasy’s Adilbek Turdakh have registered five assists each and share first place, alongside Astana’s Amandyk Khamidullin. Turdakh is also Ordabasy’s leading scorer with seven goals, while Diyar Rakhimzhanov has provided strong support with five goals and four assists.
Aktobe will have to play without Omar Baktybayev, as the defensive midfielder is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards. Ordabasy won the first-round meeting 2:1 on home soil. Can Aktobe take revenge?
