Kazakhstan U19 make history by reaching European Championship elite round
In their final match of the main round of 2026 European Championship qualifiers, Kazakhstan U19 drew 1-1 with their Cypriot counterparts. The only goal for Kazakhstan was scored by Mansur Birkurmanov.
After three matches, Kazakhstan U19 finished second in Qualifying Group 1 with four points and, for the first time in their history, will advance to the elite round of the qualifiers. The elite round matches are scheduled for March 2026, with the draw for the next stage taking place on 10 December.
Kazakhstan U19 1–1 Cyprus U19
Goals: Birkurmanov 4 – Tsiortsis 59
Yellow cards: Kalikulov 45, Bazarbaev 47, Abish 52, Kalmurza 60, Nurgali 78 – Tsiortsis 52, Theodosiou 52, Michalas 56, Nikolaou 60, Skafi 67, Petousis 70, Evangelou 72
Kazakhstan U19: Kalmurza (GK), Kalikulov, Bazarbaev, Kaliev, Tashpulatov, Akylbaev, Abish, Petrik (Mahametjan 71), Tuyakbaev (C) (Zheksenbek 85), Bekbolat (Nurgali 46), Birkurmanov (Toleukhan 65)
Substitutes: Reimov (GK), Sagyn, Torebek, Bakytzhanov, Nazarov
Head coach: Kirill Keker
Cyprus U19: Michos (GK), Petousis, Lisandru, Skafi, Papadopoulos, Psilogenis (C) (Tsiortsis 46), Michalas (K. Panagi 71), Nikolaou (Christoforou 62), Loukaidis (Evangelou 46), Theodosiou, P. Ioannou (Charalampus 46)
Substitutes: S. Panagi (GK), K. Ioannou, Evstatiou, Vattis
Head coach: Valentinos Koulountis
Referees: Danilo Nikolic (Serbia), Nikola Antic (Serbia), Marko Ribbink (Netherlands), Thomas Hardeman (Netherlands)
Date & venue: 18 November 2025, Sportpark Wondersweide, Oldenzaal, Netherlands
