Wales secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Kazakhstan in Astana, with Kieffer Moore's first-half strike proving decisive. The win, though hard-fought, keeps Craig Bellamy's side in contention for automatic qualification from Group J.
Playing on an artificial surface and facing a 7,000-mile round trip, Wales struggled to impose themselves. Kazakhstan, ranked 114th in the world, created several chances and hit the crossbar in stoppage time through substitute Serikzhan Muzhikov.
The goal came from a Harry Wilson free-kick, flicked on by Liam Cullen, with Moore stabbing home from close range. It was Moore's 50th cap, making him the first Wrexham player to represent Wales since 2008.
Teenage debutant Dylan Lawlor impressed at centre-back, deputising for the injured Joe Rodon. Bellamy praised the 19-year-old, saying: 'We've gained a player from this.'
Wales captain Ben Davies acknowledged the difficulty of the fixture: 'It wasn't our best performance but these are tough places to come. On paper people will think we should dominate, but it is never going to be easy.'
