Darko Dodev scores for Altai but side eliminated from Kazakhstan Cup
Dodev opened the scoring in the 3rd minute, yet Altai lost the second leg 1:2 and were eliminated on aggregate 2:5 (19.08.2026 18:08).
Darko Dodev scored early for Altai but could not prevent his club from being knocked out of the Cup of Kazakhstan on Wednesday. In the second leg of the semi-final against Ordabasy, Dodev found the net in the 3rd minute to make it 1:0, yet Altai surrendered a 1:2 defeat on the day and were eliminated on aggregate 2:5. (19.08.2026 18:08)
Quick strike, but Ordabasy turned the tie
The match opened brightly for Altai when Dodev converted inside the opening minutes, giving the hosts an early lead. Ordabasy responded and eventually completed the comeback, scoring twice to secure the 1:2 victory in the return leg and to advance to the final with a 2:5 overall score.
Dodev, who moved from Sileks to Kazakhstan this summer, has shown immediate impact since his arrival. Across his last three appearances for Altai he has recorded one goal and two assists, a positive personal run despite the club's exit from the cup.
Although the Macedonian forward's early goal raised hopes of a place in the final, Ordabasy's reaction proved decisive. The aggregate 2:5 margin confirmed the visitors' superiority over the two legs.
Altai now turn their attention back to domestic competition, while Ordabasy progress to the Cup of Kazakhstan final after the second-leg win.
Photo: press material from the event
