Kazakhstan’s clubs discovered their first European opponents of the 2026/27 season this week. In the countries they will be travelling to, however, the draw has been greeted with more concern than celebration.
The reaction abroad has been far from optimistic.
In Montenegro, Kairat have been described as one of the toughest possible opponents for Sutjeska. Albanian media have already labelled Dinamo City’s tie against Astana a “draw from hell”, while in Armenia, Yelimay are viewed as one of the most difficult opponents Alashkert could have faced.
Lithuanian outlets have taken a calmer approach to the Panevėžys-Tobol matchup, although several have highlighted the fixture schedule, with the decisive second leg set to be played in Kazakhstan.
A Nightmare Draw for Sutjeska
No country reacted more strongly to the draw than Montenegro.
Sutjeska will face Kairat in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League, and local media have almost unanimously described the tie as a difficult one for the Montenegrin champions.
Montenegrin outlet Vijesti wrote that the club from Nikšić were unfortunate to be drawn against the champions of Kazakhstan. The publication also highlighted Kairat’s recent European experience, while Sutjeska head coach Milorad Peković described the Almaty side as one of the toughest opponents available.
“Kairat are one of the most difficult opponents we could have faced. Our task is to get the maximum from the tie and perform well,” Peković said.
Newspaper Dan was even more pessimistic. The outlet claimed Sutjeska had been handed “the toughest and most undesirable opponent” possible during the draw in Nyon.
Alongside Kairat’s quality, Montenegrin media have also pointed to the lengthy journey to Kazakhstan as a significant challenge.
Several reports highlighted the Kazakh club’s budget and European experience. For Sutjeska, this is not simply a meeting with another domestic champion, but a clash with a club that has become a regular participant in UEFA competitions.
Logistics could also play a role. The first leg will be played in Almaty before the tie concludes in Nikšić a week later. The matches are scheduled for 7/8 and 14/15 July.
“A Draw from Hell” for Dinamo City
Albanian media were no less pessimistic about their club’s chances.
Dinamo City will face Astana in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League, with local outlets quickly describing the tie as one of the most difficult draws available.
Panorama Sport went as far as calling it a “draw from hell”, reflecting the respect Astana continue to command across the region due to their European pedigree.
There is also recent history between Kazakh and Albanian clubs.
In 2023, Astana eliminated Partizani in the UEFA Conference League play-offs. The Kazakh side won 1-0 in Astana before securing a 1-1 draw in Tirana to progress.
As a result, Astana’s latest meeting with Albanian opposition is being viewed as more than just a difficult draw. For many, it is another test of how Albanian clubs measure up against one of Kazakhstan’s most experienced European representatives.
However, local media have also highlighted a potential upside.
Should Dinamo City eliminate Astana, they would benefit from the Kazakh club’s coefficient ranking in the next round. The winner of the tie will face either Sheriff Tiraspol of Moldova or Slovenia’s Aluminij in the second qualifying round.
The first and second legs are scheduled for 9 and 16 July.
No Easy Draw for Alashkert
The reaction in Armenia was more measured, but Yelimay is still not being viewed as a favourable draw for Alashkert.
Even before the draw, Sportaran had identified the Kazakh side as one of the most dangerous opponents Armenian clubs could face in the first qualifying round of the Conference League.
Yelimay featured alongside Finnish clubs Inter Turku and Ilves, Icelandic side Stjarnan, Irish outfit Bohemians and Georgia’s Torpedo Kutaisi on a list of the most difficult potential opponents for both Pyunik and Alashkert.
Alashkert will begin the tie at home before travelling to Kazakhstan for the second leg. Armenian media have highlighted that factor as particularly important, with any potentially decisive match set to take place away from home.
Although Yelimay will be making their European debut, they are not being treated as inexperienced newcomers. Instead, Armenian outlets have consistently described the Kazakh club as one of the least desirable opponents available in the draw.
Should Alashkert overcome Yelimay, a meeting with Romanian side CFR Cluj awaits in the second qualifying round, another opponent Armenian media view as a daunting challenge.
The two legs are scheduled to take place on 9 and 16 July.
All Eyes on the Second Leg
Unlike their counterparts in Montenegro, Albania and Armenia, Lithuanian media have reacted to the Panevėžys-Tobol draw without dramatic headlines or predictions of disaster.
Instead, the focus has been on the fixture schedule.
According to Sportas.lt and TV3, the first leg will be played in Panevėžys on 23 July, with the return match taking place in Kostanay a week later on 30 July.
That detail has been highlighted as a potentially significant advantage for Tobol, with the decisive second leg set to be played in Kazakhstan.
For Panevėžys, the tie represents another opportunity to test themselves in European competition. However, Lithuanian outlets have also noted Tobol’s greater continental experience.
The Kazakh side have become regular participants in UEFA qualifying competitions and famously eliminated Hajduk Split from the Europa Conference League in 2021.
While Lithuanian media have largely avoided making firm predictions about the outcome, the overall message is clear. Panevėžys face an experienced opponent and will need to make the most of home advantage before travelling to Kazakhstan for the return leg.