Kazakhstan’s Kairat Almaty opened their 2026/27 UEFA Conference League campaign with a 1-1 draw against Latvian side Riga FC at Skonto Stadium.
Kairat took the lead in the fifth minute. Following a VAR review, the referee awarded the visitors a penalty, which Marc Gual converted.
Riga responded quickly. In the 12th minute, Maksims Tonisevs delivered a low cross from the right and Salah Oulad M’Hand finished first time to make it 1-1.
The hosts then took control for much of the first half. Riga were awarded a penalty in the 28th minute, but Kairat goalkeeper Temirlan Anarbekov saved Muhammed Badamosi’s effort. The Latvian side continued to create chances, with Anarbekov called into action several more times. He finished the match with seven saves.
The game became more balanced after the break. Kairat enjoyed spells of possession and looked to threaten on the counter, while Riga continued to apply pressure. The visitors also had an opportunity to snatch a late winner, but Riga goalkeeper Kenan Piric produced an important save.
The match ended 1-1, giving Kairat their first point of the league phase.
Kairat will host Greek side Panathinaikos in their second league-phase match on October 22. They will then face Atalanta, Mjallby, Universitatea Craiova and Twente.
Kairat have previously featured in the Conference League proper, reaching the group stage in the 2021/22 season.