Shymkent's Ordabasy defeated Kostanay's Tobol 2:0 at home in the 20th round of the Kazakhstan Premier League and, overtaking Almaty's Kairat, regained the top spot in the standings, reports infohub.kz.

Recall that last week Kairat beat Ordabasy, but the Almaty side played their match against Kaisar on May 6. By taking three points against Tobol, Ordabasy equaled the champion in the number of matches played and moved one point ahead.

Already in the 19th minute, Elkhan Astanov opened the scoring with a shot from a sharp angle, beating Sultan Busurmanov. The scorer of the first goal could have provided an assist before the break, but Norwegian Bjorn Johnsen, receiving a pass from Astanov in a good position, missed.

Tobol, who advanced to the third round of European competition this week, predictably played second fiddle in Shymkent but occasionally created dangerous moments. In the 55th minute, Venezuelan Luis Guerra scored an equalizer in a quick counterattack, but the referee disallowed the goal for handball.

In the 77th minute, referee Danil Gorda sent off Kostanay's Nauryzbek Zhagorov, after which the hosts scored again through Nikola Antic and Sergei Maly – 2:0. At the end, Johnsen hit the post and crossbar but failed to score for the seventh consecutive match.

The contenders for bronze medals also secured victories. Astana's leader and captain Marin Tomasov scored a brace in Zhezkazgan.

Oralkhan Omirtayev, who came on as a substitute, scored a brace in the home game against the underdog Altai. Two more goals came from Vladislav Vasilyev and Vladimir Vomenko. Denis Mitrofanov scored a consolation goal for Okzhetpes. Interestingly, Vomenko and Mitrofanov started the match on the bench, and Denis appeared on the field just two minutes before his goal.

In other matches of the round, Ulytau lost to Astana 0:2, Okzhetpes thrashed Altai 4:1, and Zhenis and Yelimay played out a goalless draw. In matches played on August 1, Irtysh beat Kaspyi 3:2 in a dramatic encounter, Kyzylzhar defeated Aktobe 3:1, and Atyrau and Zhetysu drew 1:1.

The 21st round matches will take place on August 8 and 9. On Saturday, Altai – Kyzylzhar, Zhetysu – Ordabasy, Kairat – Zhenis, and Kaspyi – Ulytau will be played. Sunday's fixtures include Tobol – Kaisar, Astana – Okzhetpes, Atyrau – Aktobe, and Yelimay – Irtysh.