A dominant second-half display propelled FC Shakhtyor Karagandy to a comprehensive 4-1 victory over FK Arys in Kazakhstan Division 1 action on 24 July 2026. Played at the Shakhtyor Stadium in Karagandy, the match saw the home side overcome a sluggish start to romp to a convincing win, much to the delight of the local fans who turned out in good numbers for the 21:00 kick-off.

First Half: Arys Take Surprise Lead

FK Arys, looking to climb away from the relegation zone, started brightly. They stunned the home crowd in the 12th minute when striker Bekzat Toleubay latched onto a long ball, shrugged off a defender, and fired low into the corner. The goal shook Shakhtyor, who struggled to find their rhythm against a well-organised Arys backline. However, the hosts equalised just before half-time. A corner was flicked on by defender Viktor Legostaev, and midfielder Mikhail Gavrilov bundled the ball home from a yard out.

Second Half Dominance

Whatever was said in the dressing room transformed the Karagandy side. They came out with renewed intensity, pressing high and moving the ball with speed. The go-ahead goal came in the 53rd minute when winger Yernar Kenzhebek cut inside and unleashed a fierce drive that deflected past the Arys goalkeeper. Minutes later, a flowing move ended with striker Ivan Pechurkin slotting home to make it 3–1. The victory was sealed in the 78th minute when substitute Almat Moldakhanov headed in a cross from the left flank, completing a 4–1 rout.

Tactical Story

• Press and counter: Shakhtyor’s high press in the second half forced Arys into repeated turnovers, allowing Karagandy to create overloads in wide areas.
• Set-piece efficiency: Two of the four goals came from set pieces, highlighting Karagandy’s preparation and aerial strength.
• Arys’ struggle: After taking the lead, FK Arys dropped too deep, inviting pressure. They managed only one shot on target in the second half.

Key Player: Yernar Kenzhebek

The 24-year-old winger was the man of the match, scoring one goal and providing an assist. His direct running and ability to cut inside caused constant problems for the Arys defence. With this performance, he now has 5 goals and 4 assists for the season, making him a key figure in Shakhtyor’s push for promotion.

Standings Update

The victory lifts Shakhtyor Karagandy to 7th place with 26 points, just two points shy of the top six. They now boast one of the best home records in the league, having won 6 of their 9 home matches. FK Arys, meanwhile, remain in 13th place on 16 points, now winless in four matches. The relegation zone is only three points ahead, so manager Rustam Esmurziev will demand an immediate response.

Next up, Shakhtyor travel to face second-placed FC Taraz in what promises to be a stern test of their promotion credentials. Arys, meanwhile, host bottom side FK Ekibastuz and will see that as a must-win fixture.