Play-off looms as Aktobe fall at the last
Friday, November 7, 2008
Article summary
A play-off will decide the destination of the 2008 Premier League title in Kazakhstan after FK Aktobe conceded a stoppage-time goal in their final game to be joined at the top of the table by challengers FC Tobol Kostanay.
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Lead lost
The first sign of the Aktobe juggernaut slowing down came when they were held 3-3 at home by third-placed FC Irtysh Pavlodar, having surrendered a lead. The side returned to winning ways three days later, on 19 October, with a 1-0 victory at FC Kairat Almaty, yet even that pick-me-up came with a disclaimer from coach Mukhanov, who said: "Don't congratulate me because the race isn't over yet."
Stalemate
His message was corroborated by events in Kyzylorda six days later. In front of a hostile crowd, Aktobe were fortunate to claim a goalless draw against an FC Kaisar Kyzylorda team flying high in fourth place. Defender Samat Smakov insisted his side remained on course despite the stalemate, given their last two fixtures were at home – "we're almost perfect there". Yet a routine-looking game against mid-table FC Okzhetpes Kokshetau proved anything but, as it took the hosts 82 minutes to break down stubborn opponents, requiring a penalty from Smakov to snatch the points.
Injury-time goal
Then the climactic visit of FC Energetik Pavlodar on 5 November, where a win would have sealed the title. Energetik may only just have avoided relegation, coming 15th out of 16 clubs, but they somehow spoiled the party against a dominant Aktobe, who had deservedly led through Emil Kenzhisariev's goal. With the match entering stoppage time, young Energetik striker Vladimir Makarchuk equalised to turn the season on its head. All the while Tobol have been gathering pace by winning their last five matches, scoring 13 goals and conceding three. Their reward for such inspired perseverance: the so-called gold-medal game in the capital later this month.
Double date
Adding spice to the contest, were it needed, is the Kazakh Cup semi-final between the teams on 12 November. Aktobe forward Sergey Strukov is keeping calm amid the excitement. "We will win both trophies," he said, "but it is a fantastic end to the campaign. Everybody has their opinion, but let the best team win." Tobol coach Dmitriy Ogai added: "Both matches are huge, because we want to win both the cup and the championship."