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Showing posts with the label Kazakhstan

Wales collect hard-fought three points in Kazakhstan

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Kazakhstan 0-1 Wales Wales were made to work hard in Kazakhstan, clinging to a slender victory that takes them to the top of their World Cup qualifying group. Author | Stephen Chadwick Stadium | Astana Arena Wales fans and players celebrate at full-time Kieffer Moore , winning his 50th cap, opened the scoring midway through the first half, sliding in after Liam Cullen ’s header from a Harry Wilson free-kick had been parried. The visitors controlled the early stages but soon lost their rhythm, and Kazakhstan, ranked 114th in the world, almost equalised when Galymzhan Kenzhebek ’s curling strike from distance was pushed on to the bar by Karl Darlow . The atmosphere inside the Astana Arena lifted as the hosts grew in belief. Dastan Satpayev , the 17-year-old striker set to join Chelsea next year, tested Darlow again as Craig Bellamy ’s side came under sustained pressure.  READ MORE |  World Cup 2026 Qualifying news and stories Wales did create chances to settle the contest,...

Wales resume their attempt to reach the World Cup

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Kazakhstan v Wales preview Wales resume their attempt to reach a second successive World Cup when they meet Kazakhstan in Astana. Author | Stephen Chadwick Stadium | Astana Arena The stadium that will host the match Wales have made an encouraging start under Craig Bellamy . After earning promotion to the top tier of the Nations League at the end of last year, they have taken seven points from their opening four World Cup 2026 qualifiers . They are also the leading scorers in Group J with ten goals. An opening victory over Kazakhstan was followed by a stoppage-time equaliser in North Macedonia, when David Brooks rescued a point. A 3-0 win at home to Liechtenstein then set the stage for an eye-catching performance in Brussels . Wales fought back from three goals down against Belgium, only for Kevin De Bruyne ’s late strike to seal the points for the hosts. READ MORE |  Heartbreak for Wales in Belgium READ MORE |  Wales snatch dramatic draw in North Macedonia That result...

Celtic exit Champions League after drab encounter

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Kairat 0 - 0 Celtic (The match finished 0-0 on aggregate) Kairat won 3-2 on penalties Celtic’s Champions League hopes came to a shuddering halt in Kazakhstan as Brendan Rodgers’ side crashed out on penalties to Kairat Almaty, failing to score across 210 minutes of football. Author | Sean M Stadium | Ortalyq stadıon Substitute Adam Idah saw his opening spot-kick saved, while goalkeeper Temirlan Anarbekov denied Luke McCowan and, crucially, Daizen Maeda to seal a 3-2 shootout win. It was a historic night for Kairat , who reached the group stage for the first time in their history. Maeda had earlier wasted Celtic ’s best chance, blazing over from close range five minutes from the end of normal time after latching on to a Callum McGregor through ball. McCowan also came close in extra time with a fierce strike that was pushed away. A closer look at what happened The prelude to this tie had been dominated by criticism of Celtic’s lacklustre first-leg display and the absence of meani...

Celtic left frustrated in Champions League play-off

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Celtic 0 - 0 Kairat Celtic’s Champions League prospects remain finely poised after they were held to a goalless draw in Glasgow by a spirited Kairat side. Author | Sean M Stadium | Celtic Park The £40m prize now depends on navigating a testing return leg, with Brendan Rodgers ’ team facing a decisive trip to Almaty on Tuesday. The Scottish champions must contend not only with a long journey of more than 3,500 miles but also the challenge of performing in unfamiliar conditions close to the Chinese border . It might have been worse for Rodgers’ side, who were relieved to see an early Kairat strike ruled out for offside. Their nerves were tested again when Edmilson’s long-range effort, following a mistake from Cameron Carter-Vickers , drifted narrowly over the bar. Celtic were almost undone by an own goal late on, with some desperate defending required to keep Kairat from snatching a winner. READ MORE | Live text commentary from Super Local Sports News An early setback came when ri...

Chelsea qualify for Conference League knockout stage

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Astana 1 - 3 Chelsea Former Barcelona player Marc Guiu made a big impression as Chelsea secured their spot in the UEFA Conference League knockout stage with a victory over Astana in freezing Kazakhstan. Author - Lauren W The Blues embarked on the 3,600-mile journey to Almaty, where they faced challenging conditions, including biting temperatures of -11°C. However, a heavily rotated Chelsea side showed their mettle, wrapping up the win with three first-half goals. Eighteen-year-old Spanish youth international Guiu was among several young players given an opportunity to shine, and he seized it. In the 14th minute, he opened the scoring with an impressive solo run, calmly finishing to put Chelsea ahead. Just four minutes later, Guiu's effort from Pedro Neto's cross was deflected in by Aleksandr Marochkin, doubling the lead and putting Chelsea firmly in control. Renato Veiga added a third just before half-time with a well-taken header – his second goal of the season. Spurs 3 - ...