With Almaty qualifying for the first time in its history, both the team’s strengths and weaknesses are on display.
Standing on the goal line in late August, 21-year-old Temirlan Anarbekov prepared to face the most important penalty kick of his life. If he made the save, both he and his team, Kairat FC, would advance to the Champions League. A striker from Scottish powerhouse Celtic lined up to take the shot. He struck the ball low to the left. Anarbekov dove; his knee blocked the ball. Kairat had secured its place in the world’s most prestigious club football tournament.
As the clock neared 1 a.m., car horns echoed across Almaty.
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