Kazakhstan's Elimai and Astana have ended their European campaign after the second leg of the first qualifying round of the Conference League. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.

Elimai drew 2-2 with Armenian side Alashkert after extra time and then lost 5-6 on penalties. Astana, playing with ten men, lost 1-4 to Albanian side Dinamo City in extra time.

The first ever home European match for Elimai and Astana's game took place simultaneously. The second leg matches of the first qualifying round were held on July 16.

Elimai vs Alashkert 2-2 (penalties 5-6)

Goals: Toure 4 (0-1), Bakhtiyarov 11 (1-1), Ilic 96 pen (2-1), Togola 120+1 (2-2).

Penalty shootout: Piloyan 0-1, Payruz 1-1, Masumu 1-2, Ilic 2-2, Cesar 2-3, Belancic 3-3, Beglaryan (crossbar), Sviridov (over), Granado 3-4, Ashirbek 4-4, Togola 4-5, Murillo 5-5, Sadoyan 5-6, Palacio (saved).

The match started without probing. On the 1st minute, a shot by Zambian Joseph Sabobo hit a defender's hand, but no penalty was given. On the 4th minute, Momo Toure opened the scoring – 1-0. On the 11th minute, Akmal Bakhtiyarov equalized with a fine strike from outside the box – 1-1.

On the 35th minute, a powerful shot by Roman Murtazaev was saved by Beglaryan. In stoppage time, Eloge Mame Placca Fessu failed to score into an empty net.

Astana vs Dinamo City 1-4

Goals: Islamkhan 23 pen (1-0), Dita 50 pen (1-1), H. Berisha 62 (1-2), Vila 93 (1-3), Koma 120+4. Red card: Kazhukolovas (A, 50).

In the opening of the match at Astana Arena, the hosts had several chances, but on the 19th minute Ramazan Karimov missed a good opportunity. On the 23rd minute, Bauyrzhan Islamkhan converted a penalty – 1-0.

In the second half, Swedish referee Oscar Johnson awarded a penalty to the visitors and then a penalty to the hosts, also sending off Lithuanian defender Kipras Kazhukolovas for a second yellow card. Bruno Dita scored the penalty – 1-1. On the 62nd minute, Hekuran Berisha put the visitors ahead – 2-1.

In extra time, Lorenzo Vila scored the third goal – 3-1, and on 120+4 minutes, Mustafa Koma made it 4-1.

Elimai also conceded a goal in stoppage time (Daouda Togola scored via a deflection) and lost the penalty shootout 5-6.

Thus, Elimai and Astana have ended their European campaign. On July 23 and 30, Tobol will start their campaign against Lithuanian side Panevezys. To reach the group stage of the Conference League, the Kostanay side must overcome three qualifying rounds. Group stage matches will take place from October 15 to December 17.

The 2026/27 Conference League final will be held on June 2, 2027 at Besiktas Park in Istanbul. The current trophy holder, English club Crystal Palace, defeated Spanish side Rayo Vallecano on May 27 in Leipzig.

Earlier, Kairat successfully passed the first qualifying round of the Champions League. After a 2-1 home win over Montenegrin side Sutjeska, the Almaty team also won 2-0 away.