Altay FK and FK Yelimay Semey played out a 2-2 draw in the Kazakhstan Premier League on 25 October 2026, a result that delivered derby intensity, four goals and a late twist in Semey. Altay fought back from an early deficit to lead in the second half, but Yelimay rescued a point with a late equaliser that kept the visitors’ unbeaten run intact and left both camps with mixed emotions.

Match overview

The contest began with the kind of caution expected from two sides that know each other well, but it did not take long for the game to open up. Yelimay struck first from a set piece, punishing Altay’s failure to clear a corner, and for a spell the visitors looked comfortable sitting in a compact mid-block. Altay gradually worked their way back into the game, finding space down the flanks and equalising before half-time through a well-worked move that cut through the Yelimay back line.

The second half was a different story. Altay pushed higher, forced turnovers in midfield and took the lead from the penalty spot after a foul inside the area. Yelimay responded with substitutions and a more direct approach, and their persistence paid off late on when a substitute finished from close range after a scramble in the box. The final whistle brought an end to a breathless closing period, with both teams having chances to win it.

Key moments

• 12th minute: Yelimay took the lead when Aibar Zhaksylykov rose highest at the far post to head home a corner.
• 34th minute: Altay equalised through Dias Kadyrbayev, who collected the ball on the edge of the area and drilled a low shot into the bottom corner.
• 58th minute: Altay were awarded a penalty after Arman Suleimenov was brought down inside the box; Suleimenov stepped up and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way.
• 86th minute: Yelimay levelled when substitute Nurlan Akhmetov reacted quickest to a loose ball and stabbed it past the Altay goalkeeper.

Tactical story

Altay controlled more of the ball, especially after the break, using their wide players to stretch Yelimay’s back four and create overloads on the flanks. Their midfield trio pressed aggressively to win second balls, which allowed them to sustain attacks and draw the penalty. Yelimay, by contrast, were content to defend in a narrow shape and look for set pieces and counter-attacks. That plan worked early, and it worked again late, when their direct running and willingness to put crosses into the box caused Altay problems.

The game’s turning point arguably came in the final 15 minutes, when Yelimay introduced fresh legs and changed their approach. Altay dropped deeper to protect the lead, inviting pressure, and the visitors finally found the equaliser their second-half effort deserved.

Standout performers

Dias Kadyrbayev was Altay’s most dangerous attacker, combining sharp movement with a composed finish for the first goal. Arman Suleimenov was influential in linking midfield and attack, and his penalty briefly looked like the winner. For Yelimay, goalkeeper Bekzat Tolegenov made two important saves to keep his side in the game, while Aibar Zhaksylykov’s early header set the tone and Nurlan Akhmetov’s late impact off the bench proved decisive.

Season impact

The draw keeps Altay in the upper half of the Kazakhstan Premier League standings, though they will view it as two points dropped after leading so late. Yelimay, meanwhile, will take confidence from a resilient away performance and a point that helps them stay clear of the relegation places. With the season entering its final stretch, both sides know that similar fine margins will decide whether they finish in the top eight or get dragged into a survival battle.