Kazakhstan round-up: Tobol live European dream
Sunday, October 27, 2002
Article summary
FC Tobol Kostanay clinched a UEFA Intertoto Cup place on the final day of the Kazakh Super League.
Article body
FC Tobol Kostanay clinched a UEFA Intertoto Cup place on the final day of the Kazakh Super League as they beat FC Zhenis Astana to overtake the opponents and finish third.
Tobol comeback
Evgeni Lovchev put Zhenis in the lead on 44 minutes, but goals from Daniyar Mukanov and Alexei Gerasimov decided the game, as Tobol finished in top three for the first time in their history. "A European place was in stake, and this was an incredible motivation for us to win, Mukanov said after the game.
Champions held
Elsewhere, champions FC Irtysh Pavlodar drew 1-1 with FC Aktobe Lento to finish eight points clear of FK Atyrau, who beat FC Shakhtyor Karaganda, 4-1.
No relegation
There are no relegated teams this season in the Super League, as the competition is expanding from 12 to 18 teams for next season.
