Kazakhstan round-up: Zhenis keep momentum
Tuesday, October 15, 2002
Article summary
FC Zhenis Astana beat champions FC Irtysh Pavlodar 2-1 to strengthen their hold on third place.
Article body
Zhenis's double blow
Nilton Méndez and Oleg Litvinenko struck within five minutes of each other in the first half in Astana, while Sergey Kalabukhin's penalty only reduced the arrears for Irtysh who had claimed the title a week before.
Atyrau pay penalty
Meanwhile, runners-up FK Atyrau were stunned by Vyacheslav Bogatyrev's 73rd-minute penalty in a 1-0 away defeat by FK Aktobe Lento. Elsewhere, FC Tobol Kostanay edged past FC Shakhtyor Karaganda 3-2 to keep their European hopes alive.
European hopes
Tobol lie fourth, five points behind Zhenis in the UEFA Intertoto Cup spot. Even if they fail to catch them, they could still qualify for Europe if Zhenis win the cup. It was Tobol's first televised match - and they did not disappoint with goals from Valeri Garkusha, Petro Badlo and Daniyar Mukanov.
Relegation results
In the relegation group, FC Yesil Kokshetau beat FC Yesil Bogatyr Petropavlovsk 2-1. FC Vostok Altyn Oskemen lost to FC Kaisar Kyzylorda, while FC Kairat Almaty demolished FC Yelimai Semey 5-0.
