Wales took another step towards qualification for the 2026 World Cup as they survived a stern test in Astana to beat Kazakhstan 1-0.
Craig Bellamy’s side have impressed in UEFA qualifying Group J. Their only defeat through the first four games coming in a 4-3 thriller with Belgium in June.
But they bounced back from that loss by completing the double over Kazakhstan, though they did so in nervy fashion.
Kieffer Moore gave Wales the lead in the 24th minute when he poked home on the rebound after Liam Cullen’s header was kept out by Temirlan Anarbekov.
Kazakhstan responded well, though, with Galymzhan Kenzhebek curling narrowly wide in the 39th minute before seeing an effort tipped onto the crossbar by Karl Darlow six minutes into the second half.
Kenzhebek went close again eight minutes later, and Maxim Samordov was also thwarted by Darlow as the hosts continued to pile on the pressure.
Harry Wilson threatened to double Wales’ lead 12 minutes from time as he tested Anarbekov from 20 yards, but Wales were grateful to the woodwork for preserving their victory as Serikzhan Muzhikov curled against the crossbar with a free-kick from the edge of the area with the final kick of the game.
Wales are top of Group J with 10 points from five games. North Macedonia are second with eight points having played a game fewer.
Belgium are third with four points from two games going into their clash with minnows Liechtenstein. Wales face Belgium next month in Cardiff in the game that will likely decide who progresses automatically to the finals from Group J.
