Aktobe claimed a 4-3 victory over Kokshetau in the Kazakhstan Cup on Sunday, a result that leaves both sides still searching for points despite their performances. The visitors held their nerve in the closing stages to secure all three points away from home.
Kokshetau had looked dangerous throughout, coming into this fixture sitting third in the table with four games played. Aktobe arrived as second-placed guests, having won three of their previous four matches.
The recent form of both sides told a story of high-scoring encounters. Kokshetau had just edged past Nomad Astana 4-3 on Saturday before losing 2-3 to Torpedo the day before. Aktobe's run included a 3-2 win over Almaty and a 3-2 victory against Nomad Astana.
By then, the visitors had already shown vulnerability. Their recent results included a heavy 1-4 defeat to Kulager and a shocking 0-6 loss to Omsk, suggesting this cup tie offered an opportunity for redemption.
What struck Étienne Gagnon watching from the stands was how both teams played with nothing to lose. The result keeps them level on points at the top of the table, though the gap in the table remains meaningless until someone actually scores.