Irtysh Pavlodar Edges Out Ulytau Zhezkazgan in Kazakhstan Premier League Thriller

Match Date: July 25, 2026 | Venue: Metallurg Stadium, Zhezkazgan

In a tightly contested Kazakhstan Premier League fixture, Irtysh Pavlodar secured a vital 2-1 away victory against Ulytau Zhezkazgan. The result keeps Irtysh in the hunt for the upper half of the table, while Ulytau remain deep in the relegation battle.

Match Overview

Both sides entered the match under contrasting pressures. Ulytau Zhezkazgan, struggling near the bottom, needed points at home. Irtysh Pavlodar, with ambitions of finishing in the top six, could not afford to drop points against a lower-ranked opponent. The match lived up to its billing, with end-to-end action from the first whistle.

Key Moments

• 12th minute – Irtysh broke the deadlock through a well-worked set piece. A corner from the left found defender Yerlan Nusupbayev, who rose highest to head home.
• 38th minute – Ulytau responded quickly. A swift counterattack saw striker Azamat Kenzhebekov equalize with a composed finish inside the box.
• 67th minute – The match turned when Irtysh’s Mikhail Kozlov latched onto a through ball and fired past the goalkeeper to restore the lead.
• 82nd minute – Ulytau pushed for an equalizer but were reduced to ten men after a second yellow card for midfielder Dmitriy Shirokov.

Tactical Battle

Ulytau Zhezkazgan started with a high press, aiming to unsettle Irtysh’s build-up play. However, Irtysh’s midfield trio gradually took control, using wide switches to stretch the home defense. The visitors’ defensive discipline after taking the lead was commendable, as Ulytau managed only one shot on target in the final 20 minutes.

Standout Players

Irtysh Pavlodar: Goalkeeper Vladimir Sergeyev made three crucial saves, including a point-blank stop in the 75th minute. Midfielder Mikhail Kozlov was influential, scoring the winner and creating two chances.

Ulytau Zhezkazgan: Despite the loss, Azamat Kenzhebekov showed his predatory instincts with a well-taken goal. Full-back Maksim Karpov also impressed with overlapping runs but lacked support in the final third.

Table Impact

The victory moves Irtysh Pavlodar into seventh place with 28 points, just two points off the top six. Ulytau Zhezkazgan remain 13th, now four points adrift of safety. With nine matches left, every result is critical for both clubs.