Zhankurazov’s Hat-Trick and a Hard-Fought Draw in Aktobe: Key Highlights from Matchweek 13 of the Freedom QJ League

Routine Win for Kairat

The Almaty side showed no mercy at home against Irtysh, scoring six goals without conceding even a consolation goal. Each successful attack was finished by a different player: Almgir Smakov, Amirbek Bazarbayev, Akezhan Kalikulov, Artur Trubin, Daulet Orynbasar, and Yermukhammad Kerimkhan.

The “Yellow-Blacks” are now ten points clear of their nearest rivals, Shakhter Karagandy. However, third-placed Zhas Kyran still has a game in hand — and if they beat Tobol, the two leading title contenders will be from Almaty.

Astana Breaks the Losing Streak

The capital club finally managed to secure a win after five matches without victory. Taraz was the team to fall to Astana, with Maksat Abraev and Vitaliy Kucheryavenko (both 1 goal + 1 assist), as well as Alen Pak and Mansur Alihan, playing key roles.

Taraz has taken just one point from its last five matches and sits in 9th place. Astana, currently 5th, is still in the medal race — they are five points behind Shakhter and still in the hunt.

Zhankurazov’s Breakout Performance

Zhas Kyran didn't let Ordabasy close the gap to the top — the Almaty team thrashed the visitors from Shymkent 4–0. The brightest star of the match was Zhangirkhan Zhankurazov, who netted a hat-trick. The fourth goal was elegantly finished by Mansur Kartamysov.

In the 47th minute, when the score was still just 1–0, Zhanali Yesenaliev had a chance to equalize from the penalty spot — but his shot struck the post. Then in the 57th, Ordabasy were reduced to ten men after Dinmukhammed Makhmudov received his second yellow card.

With this hat-trick, Zhankurazov has now surpassed his previous season’s goal+assist tally — he’s at 6 points (goals + assists) this season, compared to 5 last year, despite fewer minutes played. The season is far from over.

Zhas Kyran currently sits in third, but will leapfrog Shakhter if they win their rescheduled game against Tobol.

Goalless in Kyzylorda

Two bottom-table sides — Kaisar and Caspiy — failed to find the net against each other in this round. The match was instead marked by a flurry of yellow cards for rough play and unsporting conduct — three for each side.

Kaisar has now drawn four matches in a row, while for Caspiy, this was the second consecutive draw. Kaisar has 11 points from 13 matches; Caspiy sits on 8.

Tobol in Last Place. For Now?

Atyrau thrashed Tobol 6–0 at home. Medet Aron (brace), Abdulmansur Hasan (one goal, two assists), Dinmukhammed Bagytzhan, Kairat Bolatov, and Maksat Muratov all got on the scoresheet.

Tobol currently sits bottom of the table. However, they still have a game in hand — and if they manage to beat Zhas Kyran, Caspiy could drop back to last.

Yerimbet makes draw with Shakhter

Aktobe managed to take points from the “Miners” at home in a 2–2 draw.

Daniyal Yerimbet opened the scoring in the 2nd minute, but Gleb Makridov equalized in the 8th. Just before the break, Yerimbet struck again to complete his brace. In the second half, Naiman Satenov made it 2–2, but Shakhter couldn’t push ahead.

Interestingly, Aktobe picked up five yellow cards in this match — four for rough play and one for unsporting behavior. The draw did not come easy.