FK Aktobe Lento edged out Okzhetpes 2–1 in a hard‑fought Kazakhstan Premier League encounter at the Central Stadium on Saturday evening. The victory keeps Aktobe in the top‑half mix, while Okzhetpes slip closer to the relegation zone.

Match Overview

The visitor Okzhetpes started brightly, taking a shock lead in the 14th minute. Midfielder Ruslan Kenzhebaev capitalised on a defensive lapse to slot home from close range. But Aktobe responded well, equalising just before half‑time through a powerful strike from Arsen Baitana.

The second half was fiercely contested, with both sides creating chances. Aktobe’s winner came in the 68th minute when substitute Mikhail Kovalenko curled a free‑kick over the wall and into the top corner. Okzhetpes pushed for an equaliser but were denied by the woodwork and some fine goalkeeping.

Key Moments

• 14' – Goal! Okzhetpes 1–0 FK Aktobe Lento (Ruslan Kenzhebaev finish).
• 43' – Goal! FK Aktobe Lento 1–1 Okzhetpes (Arsen Baitana thunderbolt).
• 68' – Goal! FK Aktobe Lento 2–1 Okzhetpes (Mikhail Kovalenko free‑kick).
• 84' – Post Okzhetpes hit the crossbar through a long‑range effort.

Tactical Story

Aktobe coach Sergei Petrov switched from a 4‑2‑3‑1 to a more aggressive 4‑4‑2 after falling behind, pushing full‑backs higher. This created space for Baitana to operate between the lines. Okzhetpes remained compact but lost their shape after the equaliser, allowing Kovalenko the time and space for his decisive set‑piece.

Standout Players

• Mikhail Kovalenko (FK Aktobe Lento) – Came off the bench to score the winner with a brilliant free‑kick.
• Arsen Baitana (FK Aktobe Lento) – Tireless in midfield, scored the equaliser and won several tackles.
• Ruslan Kenzhebaev (Okzhetpes) – Scored early and was a constant menace on the counter.

League Impact

The win lifts Aktobe to seventh place in the Kazakhstan Premier League, now three points off the top six. Okzhetpes stay 11th, just two points above the relegation play‑off spot. The result keeps the relegation battle wide open.