GABÈS, Tunisia (Interstat) — Youssef Saafi’s right-footed strike in the 52nd minute lifted Stade Tunisien to a 1-0 victory over Stade Gabesien on Wednesday in a Ligue 1 match at Stade de Zrig.

Saafi collected a pass near the top of the area and fired a low shot that eluded the Stade Gabesien goalkeeper, giving the visitors the only goal of the contest. The goal came after a prolonged spell of pressure from Stade Tunisien, which had controlled possession for much of the first half but failed to generate clear chances against a compact home defense.

Stade Tunisien improved to 1-0 in league play and across all competitions with the win. Stade Gabesien dropped to 0-1 in both the league and overall standings.

The opening 45 minutes were largely uneventful, with both sides struggling to create dangerous opportunities. Stade Gabesien’s best chance came in the 38th minute when a corner kick found a defender’s head, but the effort sailed over the crossbar. Stade Tunisien’s midfield dictated the tempo but could not break through before halftime.

The breakthrough came seven minutes into the second half. Saafi, operating on the right flank, received a through ball and cut inside before unleashing a precise strike that found the far corner of the net. The goal energized the visitors, who continued to press for a second but were denied by the home goalkeeper on two late attempts.

Stade Gabesien pushed forward in the final 15 minutes in search of an equalizer. A free kick from just outside the penalty area in the 79th minute curled just wide of the left post. The home side’s best chance arrived in stoppage time when a volley from inside the box forced a diving save from Stade Tunisien’s goalkeeper, who parried the ball to safety.

Both teams maintained disciplined defensive shapes throughout the match, with fouls and yellow cards kept to a minimum. The referee issued only one caution, to a Stade Gabesien midfielder for a late challenge in the 65th minute.

The victory marked a strong start for Stade Tunisien, which entered the match as the favorite based on pregame projections. Interstat’s game simulator had forecast a 1-1 draw, while Interstat’s ELO system gave Stade Tunisien an 87.30 percent probability to win.