Ramadan a 'challenge' for Kazakhstan ahead of Wales World Cup clash
Kazakhstan manager Ali Aliyev has said having the bulk of his squad fasting during Ramadan has been a challenge ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Wales.
"Physiologically it's challenging, we just have one or two players who are not Muslims," Aliyev said before his side's Group J opener at the Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday.
"We can't help it so we have had to adjust certain training for people based on age, physical condition and how much they have been playing for their club.
🔥 Қазақстан құрамасы Кюрасаоға қарсы жолдастық матчта жеңіске жетті
— Kazakhstan Football Federation (@KFF_Team) March 20, 2025
🇰🇿 Қазақстан 2:0 Кюрасао 🇨🇼
⚽️ 15’ Самородов
⚽️ 36’ Тағыберген
Енді біздің жігіттер Кардиффке атттанады ✈️🏴#KFFTeam | #BizdinJigitter💛💙 pic.twitter.com/7NpsENipMZ
"But I think Ramadan and fasting is motivating for any player because it enhances the internal qualities and morale of the players."
He added: "We beat Denmark in Ramadan two years ago and I hope the whole energy around this month will help us."
Kazakhstan ended a 12-game winless run by beating Curacao 2-0 in a World Cup warm-up friendly on Wednesday.
The match saw forward Dastan Satpaev become Kazakhstan's youngest senior player at the age of 16.
Satpaev, who currently plays for Kazakhstan Premier League champions Kairat Almaty, will join Chelsea on a five-year deal when he turns 18 in August 2026.
Aliyev said: "I saw for myself in the training camp how unique he is – a star player.
"I'm really happy he was born in Kazakhstan because at 16 he already knows when and what to do.
"Chelsea have made the right decision signing him. If they work with him in the right way, I think he will have good results in the English Premier League."
