Kazakhstan Vs Wales Player Ratings: Kieffer Moore's Goal Secures Narrow 1-0 Victory

Kazakhstan hosted Wales for a key encounter for the upcoming World Cup berth at Astana Arena on September 4, 2025. The home side were in desperate need of a miracle as their chance to qualify were non-existent. On the other hand, Wales arrived with their eyes set on 3 points under the manager Craig Bellamy. In the first half, the home team finds it hard to get hold of the possession as Wales were dominating with 72%, and had already converted one goal out of 11 shots.

Kieffer Moore found the back of the net in the 24th minute from a set-piece; after that, they controlled possession. Kazakhstan did put up a fight in the dying minutes of the first half. The visitors were rampant throughout the game, with several players registering above 8 ratings. But it was Harry Wilson who was excellent in midfield. The Welsh football players were all over the field, putting pressure on the home team through the game. Here's a look at Kazakhstan vs Wales Player Ratings:

Kazakhstan Player Ratings vs Wales

Goalkeeper

Temirlan Anarbekov - 7.0: Couldn't do much about the goal, which was a close-range finish. Made four saves, including a couple of sharp stops to keep his team in the game.

Defenders

S. Maliy - 6.5: The Kazakhstani defender made a staggering eight clearances and won most of his duels. However, he committed four fouls and picked up a yellow card for a cynical challenge. A mixed bag, really.

N. Alip - 7.0: The Kazakhtan captain led by example before his unfortunate injury. He made some crucial blocks and was composed on the ball. His departure in the 81st minute was a big blow for Kazakhstan's late push.

Alibek Kasym - 6.0: The 27-year-old defender was tasked with launching attacks from the back, attempting 15 long balls. He made five clearances but looked uncomfortable on the ball most of the time.

Midfielders

Bagdat Kairov - 7.0: Kairov was all over the pitch, making key tackles and interceptions. He even got forward to support the attack and delivered a decent cross.

R. Orazov - 5.5: While he did create two chances, he lost the ball too often and seemed to struggle with the pace of the game. The FC Yelimay midfielder was subbed off late after failing to impose himself on the match. Had a terrible game against Wales.

Yan Vorogovskiy - 6.5: Vorogovskiy worked his socks off down the left flank. He contributed both defensively and offensively, putting in a couple of crosses and making some important tackles. A solid, if not spectacular, outing.

Damir Kasabulat - 6.0: The 23-year-old midfielder did his defensive duties with a couple of interceptions and clearances. But offered very little going forward.

Forwards

Maksim Samorodov - 7.5: Kazakhstan's brightest spark in attack, without a doubt. He created three chances and was a constant nuisance for the Welsh defence with his movement. Had 0.07 xG, which tells the whole story of his attacking threat.

Galymzhan Kenzhebek - 7.0: So unlucky not to score. He hit the crossbar with a great effort and tested the keeper. The 22-year-old was a real handful until he was substituted. His five shots show his intent to make a difference.

Dastan Satpaev - 6.0: The Kazakhstani forward worked hard and drew a couple of fouls, but struggled to get into dangerous positions. He was largely isolated for long periods and couldn't make a significant impact on the game before being taken off.

Substitutes

Islam Chesnokov - 6.5: Looked lively after coming on, immediately getting involved and drawing fouls. Brought some fresh energy to the attack.

Ular Zhaksybayev - N/A: Came on late for the injured Alip.

Serikzhan Muzhikov - N/A: Not enough time to make an impact.

Dauren Zhumat - N/A: A late substitute.

Oralhan Ömirtaev - N/A: Omirtaev had a chance to equalize late on, but that was it.

Manager

S. Cherchesov - 6.5: Set his team up to be difficult to beat, and they certainly were. His side showed great fight, especially in the second half. His substitutions were logical, but he couldn't quite find the key to unlock the Welsh defence.

Wales Player Ratings vs Kazakhstan

Goalkeeper

Karl Darlow - 7.5: A clean sheet away from home is always a good day's work. He made three important saves, including a crucial one in the second half to preserve the lead. His distribution was solid, and he looked confident throughout.

Defenders

Chris Mepham - 7.5: The West Brom defender had an absolute rock at the back. His pass accuracy of 96% from over 100 passes is just outstanding for a centre-back. He was composed, strong, and snuffed out several attacks before they began.

Ben Davies - 7.0: The Welsh captain led the defensive line well. He was vocal and organised. What stood out to us was his attacking threat; he had four shots, which is unusual for a defender.

Dylan Lawlor - 7.0: The 19-year-old Cardiff defender partnered seamlessly alongside Davies and Mepham. He was positionally sound, making five clearances and two interceptions. An impressive 98% pass accuracy shows his composure on the ball.

Midfielders

Neco Williams - 6.5: The Nottingham Forest midfielder was a threat going forward but was also a bit reckless, committing fouls and picking up a late yellow card. Lost possession a few too many times for our liking, but his energy was undeniable.

Harry Wilson - 8.5: Our man of the match. The 28-year-old Fulham midfielder was the creative hub for Wales, creating four chances and delivering wicked set-pieces. His intelligence and vision were on a different level. Almost everything good Wales did went through him. The highest-rated player on the pitch.

Liam Cullen - 6.5: He worked hard, pressed the opposition, and kept the ball moving. Didn't have a huge impact in the final third, but played his role for the team well before being substituted.

J. Sheehan - 8.0: Controlled the tempo of the game from deep. His 91% pass accuracy and ability to break the lines were crucial for Wales. He also contributed defensively with five recoveries. An understated but excellent performance.

Sorba Thomas - 6.5: The 26-year-old Welsh midfielder provided width and put in a few dangerous crosses. However, his final ball was inconsistent, and he lost possession a bit too much for our liking.

Forwards

Brennan Johnson - 6.5: Saw flashes of his pace and skill, but he couldn't quite get the better of the Kazakh defence consistently. He worked hard but was substituted after 65 minutes as Wales looked to manage the game.

Kieffer Moore - 8.0: The Wrexham striker did what all great strikers do: scored the winning goal. It was a poacher's finish that decided the contest. Beyond the goal, his physical presence caused problems all evening, even if his overall touches were limited.

Substitutes

Daniel James - 6.0: Brought on to offer an outlet on the counter, but had limited involvement.

Mark Harris - 6.0: Worked hard to press from the front in the final stages.

David Brooks - N/A: Came on for the final 15 minutes.

Jordan James - N/A: Helped shore up the midfield late on.

Ben Cabango - N/A: A late defensive substitution to see out the win.

Manager

C. Bellamy - 7.5: Bellamy's team got the early goal and managed the game effectively. His substitutions were pragmatic and aimed at securing the three points. He'll be delighted with the clean sheet and the result.