Shakhter claim Super Cup with Astana success
Sunday, March 3, 2013
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League champions FC Shakhter Karagandy were made to work hard to overcome FC Astana 3-2 in the Kazakh Super Cup courtesy of Zhambyl Kukeyev's extra-time winner.
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FC Shakhter Karagandy surrendered a two-goal lead before prevailing 3-2 in extra time to lift their second Kazakh Super Cup at the expense of FC Astana.
The annual season curtain-raiser started slowly until two goals in quick succession after the break put Viktor Kumykov's side in charge. Andrey Poryvaev broke the deadlock on 55 minutes and Foxi Kéthévoama made it two soon after. There was late drama, however, as strikes from Maksat Baizhanov (85) and Sergei Ostapenko (90+1) prolonged the showpiece for a further half an hour.
Both teams struggled to assert their authority from then on until Zhambyl Kukeyev settled matters two minutes from time, concluding a solo run with a smart finish. "The coach wanted to make a substitution and replace me just before I scored," explained 24-year-old Kukeyev afterwards.
"However, he decided to keep me on and I'm glad that I made the most of the opportunity to score the winning goal. It's difficult to put my emotions into words, but I'm so happy for our fans, who have started the season with another trophy."
