YEREVAN, Armenia (Interstat) — Van defeated Ararat 2-1 on Saturday in a First League match at Vazgen Sargsyan anvan Hanrapetakan Marzadasht, securing a regular-season series split between the Armenian clubs.

The visitors from Van, who had lost to Ararat just four weeks prior, took control of the match early. Kalifala Mamadou Doumbia opened the scoring in the 18th minute, giving his side a lead it would not relinquish. The goal set a tone of efficiency for Van, which has shown a pattern of high-scoring victories mixed with difficult losses this season.

Van doubled its advantage in the 65th minute through a goal from Narek Manukyan. The insurance proved crucial as Ararat mounted a late response, finding the net in the final minutes to cut the deficit to a single goal. The comeback attempt fell short, however, allowing Van to see out the match and collect three points on the road.

The result improved Van’s record within the First League competition to one win and one loss. Its overall record across all competitions this season now stands at nine wins, nine losses and three draws. For Ararat, the loss was its second in three matches within this league format, dropping its record to one win and two losses. The club’s broader campaign continues to be a struggle, with the defeat marking its 17th loss against only three wins and three draws in all matches this season.

The outcome defied pre-game projections. Interstat’s game simulator had forecast a 1-1 draw, and its ELO rating system gave Ararat a slight probability to win at 51.40 percent. Instead, Van executed on the road to reverse the result from the teams’ previous meeting on March 7, when Ararat won 2-1.

Van will look to build on the victory when it hosts Urartu in its next match on April 10. Ararat faces a quick turnaround, scheduled to host Pyunik on Wednesday before traveling to face Alashkert on April 11.