FC Astana 3-2 FK Aktobe Lento | Kazakhstan Premier League | 12 July 2026

FC Astana secured a vital three points at home on Sunday night, edging past FK Aktobe Lento in a pulsating 3-2 encounter at the Astana Arena. The victory kept the capital club firmly in the hunt for the Kazakhstan Premier League title as they weathered a spirited fightback from their visitors.

Match Overview

From the opening whistle, Astana looked to impose their authority on the game. Their high pressing and quick transitions caused problems for the Aktobe defense, and it took just 18 minutes for the hosts to break the deadlock. A well-worked corner routine saw central defender Aleksandr Marochkin rise highest to nod the ball into the net. The lead was doubled in the 33rd minute when winger Ramazan Orazov cut inside from the left and curled a beautiful effort into the far corner.

Aktobe, though, refused to surrender. Just before halftime, they pulled one back through a powerful free kick from midfield anchor Sergiy Maliy, who smashed the ball through the wall and past the helpless Astana goalkeeper. The goal gave the visitors a lifeline and set the stage for a tense second half.

Key Moments

• 18' – Marochkin header from a corner gives Astana the lead.
• 33' – Orazov doubles the advantage with a clinical finish.
• 45' – Maliy's stunning free kick cuts the deficit to 2-1.
• 61' – Astana restore a two-goal cushion through substitute striker Elkhan Astanov, who latched onto a through ball and slotted home.
• 78' – Aktobe set up a grandstand finish when forward Ivan Pešić converted a cross from the right, making it 3-2.
• 89' – Aktobe had a golden chance to equalize but Pešić's header flashed just wide of the post.

Tactical Story

Astana head coach Grigory Babayan set his team up in a fluid 4-3-3, relying on quick interchanges between the front three to unlock Aktobe's compact 4-4-2. The home side's full-backs pushed high, creating overloads in wide areas. Aktobe, managed by Vladislav Kuzmenko, tried to hit on the counter after their early struggles, but their midfield often left gaps that Astana exploited. The visitors’ set-piece threat kept them in the game, but their defensive lapses proved costly.

Standout Performers

Ramazan Orazov (Astana) was a constant menace on the left flank, scoring one and creating several chances. Elkhan Astanov made an immediate impact off the bench, scoring the decisive third goal. For Aktobe, Sergiy Maliy was instrumental in midfield and scored a spectacular free kick, while Ivan Pešić caused problems with his physical presence and grabbed a late goal.

Table and Season Impact

The win moved Astana to second place in the Kazakhstan Premier League standings, now just two points behind leaders Tobol Kostanay with eight matches remaining. For Aktobe, the defeat leaves them in eighth position, five points adrift of the top four and with their European qualification hopes hanging by a thread. Astana will hope to carry this momentum into their next fixture against Kairat Almaty, while Aktobe must regroup ahead of a crucial home clash with Shakhter Karagandy.