Lithuanian international defender Kipras Kažukolovas once again featured in the starting lineup for FC Astana, as the Kazakh Premier League leaders cruised to a dominant 7–0 victory over bottom-placed FC Turan on Friday.
The 24-year-old central defender started his sixth consecutive league match, anchoring the backline in what turned out to be a one-sided affair. Astana wasted no time asserting their dominance, netting three goals within the opening 19 minutes and adding a fourth just before halftime.
Turan’s struggles only deepened in the second half. In the final 10 minutes of the match, Astana poured in another three goals, completing their most emphatic win of the season so far.
Kažukolovas played the full 90 minutes and delivered a composed performance at the heart of the defense. The former FK Žalgiris player has now made 16 league appearances this season, continuing to be a key figure in Astana’s title challenge.
With 40 points, FC Astana sit at the top of the Kazakh Premier League table. Closest challengers Kairat Almaty trail by four points but hold two games in hand.
Next up for Kažukolovas and Astana is the start of their European campaign. On Thursday, they will host Moldovan side Zimbru Chisinau in the first leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League second qualifying round.
