The table is tightening: what to know about Matchweek 16 of the Freedom QJ League

Shakhter take their chance

The Miners reignited the medal race by closing the gap to Zhas Kyran to just one point, thanks to a crucial win in Almaty.

The star of the game was Gleb Makridov, who struck in the 20th minute from Nurkhan Kagazbayev’s cross and added another before halftime via Nikita Nefyodov’s assist. After the break, Zhas Kyran could only respond from the penalty spot, converted by Azamat Askaruly.

This marks the second straight defeat for previously unbeaten Zhas Kyran – following Tobol’s shock win earlier. Sergey Kirov’s side still sit second, but with only five points separating them from sixth place and six rounds to play, the pressure is on.

Late drama in Shymkent

Another medal contender, Ordabasy, nearly dropped points against Tobol. The hosts went ahead in the 53rd minute through Maksim Gamayunov. Tobol had a chance to equalize from the spot soon after, but Nurmubarak Zhakylyk missed.

Zhakylyk redeemed himself in the 80th minute to make it 1–1, but in stoppage time Askat Zhanbyrbai grabbed the winner. Final score: 2:1.

Notably, Ordabasy now have a goal difference of exactly zero – 33 scored and 33 conceded.

Musretbek rescues Taraz

Caspiy nearly dashed Taraz’s hopes of reaching the top six, but the match was decided in added time.

Daulet Musretbek opened the scoring in the 38th minute, before Anuar Uzakbai equalized in the 53rd. Later, Azizjon Berdiev missed a penalty, though he provided both assists for Musretbek. In stoppage time, the midfielder netted again to secure Taraz’s victory.

Taraz remain six points behind sixth-placed Ordabasy, with six games left to play.

Irtysh win with ten men

Aktobe failed to stop Irtysh at home, despite the visitors being reduced to ten men. Isa Iskakov gave Pavlodar the lead in the 16th minute, but Amir Tuleyev leveled early in the second half. Minutes later, Yerasyl Mukatayev was sent off for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Even so, Irtysh found the winner in the 85th minute when Amirkhan Talgat converted a penalty.

With this result, Irtysh are breathing down the necks of Zhas Kyran and Shakhter, just one point away from breaking into the top three.

Five-goal thriller in Atyrau

Atyrau and Astana served up a high-scoring clash. Mansur Alikhan struck for the visitors inside four minutes, and Maksat Abraev doubled the lead in the 38th. Remarkably, Abraev has now scored in three different competitions over the past ten days: against Atlético Madrid in the QJL All Star, against Okzhetpes in the Second League, and now against Atyrau in the Freedom QJ League.

The hosts hit back, with Rahim Turdaliev pulling one back before halftime and Yerasyl Zhanuzak equalizing in the 65th. But Astana had the final say, Aslanbek Marat sealing the win.

Kairat keep rolling

In Kyzylorda, leaders Kairat continued their dominant run with a comfortable win over Kaisar.

Goals came from Daulet Orynbasar (twice), Nurzhan Yerkin, Alamgir Smakov and Aliden Musaipov. Kaisar managed only a consolation strike through defender Alibek Zharylkasynuly – his fifth of the season.