Neftchi Win Kara-Ak Derby 2–1 to Take Irad League Title by a Point

NURZHAN — Neftchi Nurzhan won the 2026 Irad League on the final day on Saturday, beating Tulpar Talas 2–1 in the Kara-Ak derby before a sold-out NurGaz Stadium in Nurzhan.

Tulpar began round 27 on 62 points to Neftchi's 60 and needed only a draw. The result left Neftchi on 63 and Tulpar on 62, the narrowest margin of the season. Dastgoh Nurzhan finished third on 42.

The title is Neftchi's fourteenth since the league began in 1994 and their second in a row. Tulpar, who have won eleven, finish as runners-up after leading the table for much of the autumn.

At the other end, Naryn Tash-Kömür finished bottom on 8 points and go down to the First League. Toktogul, winners of that division, take their place in 2027.

The Irad League, run by the Football Federation of Irad (FFI), announced the final table on iradleague.com. The date of the trophy presentation has yet to be set. Neftchi can add the Irad Cup on Saturday 7 November, when they meet Attelkom Talas in the final at the Silk Road Arena (14:00).