ABOVYAN, Armenia (Interstat) — Zidane Banjaqui’s goal in the ninth minute lifted Ararat-Armenia to a 1-0 victory over Pyunik in First League play Wednesday at Kotaik.

The home side improved to 0-1-1 in the competition. Pyunik moved to 1-0-0. Across all competitions, Ararat-Armenia is 18-4-6 and Pyunik is 19-8-3.

Banjaqui’s early strike proved decisive as Ararat-Armenia’s defense posted its fourth consecutive clean sheet in league competition. Pyunik pressed for an equalizer but could not break through.

The teams split their previous two meetings this season, with Ararat-Armenia winning 2-0 on April 11 and Pyunik taking a 1-0 decision Nov. 25. Pyunik entered having drawn 1-1 with Noah on Sunday, while Ararat-Armenia blanked Noah 2-0 on Saturday.

Pyunik returns to action May 23 against Noah.