CHISINAU (Interstat) — Moldova U21 scored three unanswered goals, including Serghei Turcan’s 90th-minute winner, to beat Kazakhstan U21 3-2 in an Under-21 competition match. Kazakhstan U21 built a two-goal lead before Moldova U21 rallied and won despite playing much of the second half with 10 men. The comeback capped a tense match that featured a series of yellow cards and a first-half red card. The hosts trailed for most of the match and needed a late surge to secure the result.

Seif Popov gave Kazakhstan U21 the lead in the 13th minute. Miras Omatay doubled the advantage in the 38th. Moldova U21 pulled one back five minutes later when Vasile Luchita scored. The momentum shifted again in first-half stoppage time when Luchita was sent off, leaving Moldova U21 a player down. Kazakhstan U21 looked comfortable for much of the first half, with Popov striking early and Omatay adding a second as the visitors pressed their advantage. Luchita’s goal gave Moldova U21 hope, but his dismissal changed the complexion of the match again. Tempers flared just before the break, leading to a cluster of bookings. Moldova U21’s D. Tonica and Kazakhstan U21’s S. Askarov were both cautioned in the 45+2 minute. Omatay received a yellow card in the 45+3 minute and then another in the 50th. C. Nagurnea of Moldova U21 was booked in the 60th. A. Dijinari of Moldova U21 was cautioned in the 65th. Kazakhstan U21’s S. Askarov and S. Ivanov were both booked in the 75th.

Turcan equalized in the 72nd minute, then delivered the decisive goal in the 90th. He finished with two goals and an assist. Even with 10 men, Moldova U21 kept pushing forward. The substitutions added fresh legs, and Kazakhstan U21 struggled to clear its lines as the game wore on. Turcan’s first goal came after sustained pressure, and his second arrived at the death. Moldova U21 made changes in search of a spark, using Ciumasu V. at halftime, Colis V. and Graminschii I. in the 61st minute, Nagurnea C. in the 73rd and Lupan M. in the 82nd. Kazakhstan U21 made three changes in the 61st minute, with Abish M., Popov S. and Toktybay M. involved. Kazakhstan U21 also brought on Trufanov Y. in the 76th. The late pressure finally told when Turcan scored again.

Among the key performances, Daniel Cucer provided an assist in 29 minutes. Serghei Turcan played 90 minutes and recorded two goals and an assist. Vasile Luchita scored and was sent off. Artiom Dijinari had an assist and was booked. Magzhan Toktybay provided an assist in 61 minutes. Seif Popov scored in 61 minutes. Miras Omatay scored and was booked, and his statline also included a red card. The goals came in a flurry after Kazakhstan U21 had controlled the early stages. Omatay’s goal and booking capped a busy outing for the Kazakhstan U21 attacker. Popov also found the net before making way in the 61st minute. Toktybay’s assist came during the same stretch. Cucer’s brief but productive appearance helped Moldova U21’s attack.

Moldova U21 entered after a 0-0 draw at Andorra U21 earlier this season. Moldova U21 is now 1-0-1 in this competition and 1-0-1 across all competitions. Kazakhstan U21 is 0-1 in this competition and 0-1 across all competitions. The result keeps Moldova U21 unbeaten in its season record across all competitions, while Kazakhstan U21 remains without a win. The match was part of the Under-21 schedule. Moldova U21’s previous result this season was the draw at Andorra U21. The team has now avoided defeat in both of its season records across all competitions. Kazakhstan U21’s loss leaves it still searching for its first win in the competition and across all competitions.

Interstat’s game simulator had projected a final score of Moldova U21 1, Kazakhstan U21 0. Interstat’s ELO system had projected Moldova U21 with a 65.3 percent probability to win.