Wales kicked off their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a testing but morale-boosting victory over Kazakhstan in Cardiff.
Craig Bellamy’s men opened the scoring with less than 10 minutes on the clock as Dan James latched onto a loose ball in the penalty area after a short corner play. He whipped a shot at goal and a deflection took it past the goalkeeper to send the Red Dragons in front.
Despite dominating play and possession they conceded an equaliser as Connor Roberts gave away a penalty for handling the ball in the area. Kazakhstan’s captain Askhat Tagybergen scored the spot kick but Karl Darlow almost kept it out only for the ball to spin back over the line.
The fans in the stadium were tense but Ben Davies eased their concerns with a headed goal less than two minutes into the second half and Rabbi Matondo scored his first international goal in the 90th minute to put the result beyond doubt.
Relive the updates from the Cardiff City Stadium below:
Craig Bellamy’s midas touch brings Wales victory in opening World Cup qualifier
Daniel James gave Wales an early advantage before a near-capacity 32,473 crowd at the Cardiff City Stadium but that was wiped out by Askhat Tagybergen’s penalty, awarded after Connor Roberts had handled.
Kazakhstan were threatening to throw a spanner in the works but skipper Ben Davies and Rabbi Matondo, with his first Wales goal in the final minute, ensured a winning start for Craig Bellamy’s side.
Reaction from Dan James:
“We spoke all week about getting off to a good start and that’s what we did tonight. I’m delighted. It’s always nice to get on the scoresheet.
“We were a bit unfortunate with the penalty but we got stuck in there.
“Second-half we came out and scored a great set-piece, in international football set-pieces are really important and it’s something we’ve been practising.
“He [Bellamy] told us at half-time to keep digging in. There were moments in the first-half where we didn’t control the game as much as we wanted to, but in the second-half we controlled it much more.
“It’s so important to get the win tonight and push on for Tuesday. We’ve got a lot of positives to take from tonight, it’s going to be a really tough game on Tuesday going to North Macedonia but it’s one we’re really looking forward to”
Full-time! Wales 3-1 Kazakhstan
Incredible work from Wales. They kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign with a testing but confident win in Cardiff.
Craig Bellamy’s impressive reign goes on and the Red Dragons will take some momentum into Tuesday’s match with North Macedonia.
GOAL! Wales 3-1 Kazakhstan (Rabbi Matondo, 90′)
There’s the third!
Sorba Thomas runs into acres of space on the right hand side of the pitch.
He drives up to the edge of the box and rolls the ball back into the middle where Rabbi Matondo whips it into the back of the net.
It’s a first international goal for Matondo!
Wales 2-1 Kazakhstan
87 mins: Rbbi Matondo replaces Dan James for Wales with time ticking away.
James receives a very warm round of applause as he walks around the ground having come off at the far side.
His goal put Wales ahead before the penalty in the first half.
The Leeds attacker continuing his fine season.
Wales 2-1 Kazakhstan
84 mins: Dan James makes another run to the byline and ust about keeps the ball in play before it is cleared by the visitors.
Wales 2-1 Kazakhstan
81 mins: Less than 10 minutes to go.
Wales’ lead is comfortable for now. Kazakhstan haven’t been able to really challenge Karl Darlow from open play.
If Wales keep possession, as they have been doing, they should see this game out.
Wales 2-1 Kazakhstan
78 mins: Oh hello!
Askhat Tagybergen floats a fine ball into the Wales penalty area where Abat Aimbetov is waiting.
He beats Joe Rodon in the air but his header loops up and is caught by Karl Darlow.
Wales 2-1 Kazakhstan
75 mins: Wales want a third goal. There’s 15 minutes left to play in this match and Bellamy’s men are hunting.
One more and they’ll absolutely take the points but while they only have a one-goal advantage they are vulnerable.
Wales 2-1 Kazakhstan
71 mins: Wales want another penalty after bursting down the right side.
James sends the ball to Harris who passes to Cullen.
He goes down under a tackle and the referee waves away the appeals again.
Source: independent.co.uk
