Kazakhstan goalkeeper Temirlan Anarbekov produced a brilliant display at Astana Arena, making eight saves in the qualifier after Hans Vanaken cancelled out Dastan Satpaev's ninth-minute opener.

Belgium was without top scorer Kevin De Bruyne, who is currently recovering from hamstring surgery, and its wastefulness in front of goal proved costly.

Matz Sels did well to tip a curling effort from Galymzhan Kenzhebek around the post, but the hosts took the lead moments later when Satpaev ran at Koni De Winter before creating room for himself to fire a shot past the goalkeeper.

Anarbekov then sprang into action for his side. The 22-year-old denied efforts from Vanaken and Leandro Trossard before also turning Timothy Castagne's powerful effort over the bar on the stroke of half-time.

However, Belgium equalised just three minutes after the break through its captain. Vanaken made no mistake from close range as he headed Castagne's cross home with ease.

Anarbekov denied the Red Devils' skipper twice shortly after the hour mark, and Kazakhstan's chances of securing a point became slimmer when Islam Chesnokov was sent off for a foul on Jeremy Doku heading into the final 10 minutes.

Doku almost found the net in similar fashion to his goal against Liverpool, but this time his shot curled over the bar, while Anarbekov made one final save to deny Nicolas Raskin as Kazakhstan held on for a point.

Belgium can still secure its place at next year's tournament with a win in its final match against Liechtenstein.

But a disappointed Doku said it has not been good enough in most of its qualifiers.

"It's a lack of efficiency. We didn't win against Kazakhstan, so we absolutely can't be satisfied," he said.

"We've already dropped too many points because we weren't good enough in a large number of matches. Our campaign hasn't gone well, no. Everyone needs to do better. The coach, me, everyone."

The winger suggested the Red Devils had got their approach to the match at the Astana Arena wrong.

"We looked at this team and thought they'd play long, but then they played short and started playing football," the 23-year-old said.

"It was a completely different match to when we played them last time. Maybe we didn't analyse our opponent enough. It doesn't matter. We just have to finish our chances and then we'll be done with the permutations."

Doku was also asked whether the absence of players like Thibaut Courtois, De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku was a valid excuse.

"Kevin, Romelu, Thibaut ... if we need them to win against Kazakhstan, then we can't do anything at the [FIFA] World Cup," he said.

"I think if we want to be significant at the [FIFA] World Cup, we have to be able to win games like this."