Teen Prodigy Kalmurza Shines Despite Kairat’s UCL Setback

Lisbon, Sep 19 (AP) Teenage goalkeeper Sherkhan Kalmurza made headlines in the Champions League with a standout performance for Kazakhstan's Kairat on his debut, saving a penalty against Sporting Lisbon. This remarkable achievement establishes him as the youngest player in the competition's history to save a penalty. Despite Kalmurza’s heroics and several other commendable saves, Kairat succumbed to a 4-1 defeat in their maiden appearance in Europe's top club competition.

At just 18 years and 96 days old, Kalmurza earned the distinction of being the third youngest goalkeeper to participate in the prestigious tournament, according to UEFA. He also became the second youngest to save a penalty, following Mile Svilar of Benfica, who made a similar feat at 18 years and 65 days old against Manchester United’s Anthony Martial in 2017.

The match was goalless when Sporting's captain, Morten Hjulmand, launched a penalty in the 21st minute. Attempting to send Kalmurza the wrong way, Hjulmand's bid was thwarted as the young keeper impressively blocked the shot with his right leg.

Adding to the youthful narratives of the game, one of the goals conceded by Kalmurza came from another promising talent, forward Geovany Quenda. At 18 years and 141 days old, Quenda dazzled the audience by dribbling past multiple defenders to seal the comprehensive victory for Sporting, marking his name as the youngest Portuguese player to score in the Champions League.

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