FC Zhetysu Taldykorgan secured a narrow 1-0 away win against Spartak Kostroma in an International Club Friendly on February 7, 2026. The Kazakhstani side earned a hard-fought victory on the road in Russia during their pre-season preparations. The match process was likely a tight and cagey affair, with both teams prioritizing defensive solidity in the winter conditions. The decisive moment came from a moment of quality or a set-piece, allowing Zhetysu to score what proved to be the only goal of the game. Spartak Kostroma pushed for an equalizer but found the visiting defense resolute and organized, resulting in a clean sheet for the Kazakh club. An away win in any fixture builds confidence, and for Zhetysu, defeating a Russian opponent provides a good benchmark. This result will be seen as a successful exercise in game management and defensive resilience for the traveling team.