The road to the UEFA Champions League's league phase continues at the Almaty Central Stadium on Wednesday, where Kairat Almaty and Omonia Nicosia battle for progression. The visitors already have a foot in the third round of the UCL qualifiers, having secured a narrow victory on their home patch in last week's first-leg clash.
Kairat kicked off their continental campaign in the first qualifying round earlier this month, taking on Montenegrin side FK Sutjeska Nikšić and securing a 4-1 aggregate victory, with teenage sensation Ismail Bekbolat contributing a goal and two assists across the two legs.
Sary-Qaralar's trip to Cyprus for the first leg of the second qualifying round, however, proved far less fruitful as they suffered a 1-0 defeat after falling behind inside the opening 13 minutes.
Omonia were crowned Cypriot First Division champions last season for the first time in five years after finishing a commanding 18 points clear at the top. That triumph earned the Shamrock a return to the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, and they looked set to mark it in style after Panagiotis Andreou handed Henning Berg's side an early lead in last week's first leg.
However, a red card to veteran full-back Loic Nego later in the first half quickly altered Omonia's plans, forcing them onto the back foot for long periods. Despite their numerical disadvantage, the Shamrock ultimately held firm to preserve their slender advantage heading into the return leg in Kazakhstan.
The one-goal deficit Sary-Qaralar incurred in the first leg means they have work to do this week, although they will feel it is a deficit that can be overturned with the backing of their home supporters.
Omonia's bright start to the first leg suggested they may have gone on to win by a more comfortable margin had they not been reduced to 10 men. However, the Shamrock have no time to dwell on what might have been and must now find a way to protect their narrow lead on Tuesday.
We are backing the visitors to do just enough to force this one into extra time and potentially penalties.
Prediction: Kairat Almaty 2-1 Omonia Nicosia
Tip 1 - Result: Kairat Almaty to win
Tip 2 - Goals - Over/under 2.5 - Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3 - Both teams to score: Yes
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