AR-RIFA’, Bahrain (Interstat) — Ahmed Falamarzi scored in the 49th minute Friday, lifting Al Hidd to a 1-0 victory over Al Shabab in a Premier League match at Stād Al Bahrayn Al Watanī.

Falamarzi’s left-footed strike from inside the area beat the Al Shabab goalkeeper and proved the only goal of the contest. The win improved Al Hidd’s league record to 9 wins, 8 losses and 5 draws, while Al Shabab fell to 6 wins, 9 losses and 6 draws. The same records apply across all competitions for both sides.

Al Shabab entered the match aiming to build on a 1-0 home victory against Bahrain SC on April 28, but the visitors were unable to generate consistent offensive pressure. The loss dropped Al Shabab to 6-9-6 overall, with three of those wins coming by a single goal. Their most recent defeat before Friday was a 1-0 result at Malkiya on April 18.

Al Hidd, meanwhile, came off a 1-0 loss at A’ali CSC on May 4 and had dropped three of its previous four matches. The home side responded with a gritty defensive performance, limiting Al Shabab to few clear chances. Falamarzi’s goal early in the second half provided the necessary cushion, and Al Hidd’s backline held firm the rest of the way.

Friday’s result marked the second meeting between the teams this season. On Jan. 8, Al Hidd defeated Al Shabab 2-0 in the reverse fixture. That match was part of a stretch in which Al Shabab lost four consecutive contests from late October to early November, including a 2-0 setback at Al Najma and a 2-0 defeat at Al Ahli.

Al Shabab’s recent form has been erratic. The club has managed only two wins in its last seven matches across all competitions, with a 1-0 win over A’ali CSC on Feb. 19 and the 1-0 victory over Bahrain SC on April 28. In between, the team suffered losses to Al Khaldiya SC, Malkiya and Al Riffa, along with draws against Al Najma, East Riffa and Bahrain SC in a three-match span in late January.

Al Hidd has shown more consistency during the same period, though recent results have been mixed. After a 3-0 win over Al Riffa on Feb. 7, the club endured a 1-0 defeat at Al Najma on March 13, then bounced back with a 4-1 home win over Sitra on Feb. 23. However, losses to Muharraq on April 16 and Al Khaldiya SC on April 27, along with the May 4 defeat at A’ali CSC, preceded Friday’s victory.

The head-to-head series now stands with Al Hidd winning the last two meetings. Overall, Al Hidd has been the more dominant side in league play this season, with 30 goals scored and 24 conceded, compared to Al Shabab’s 17 goals for and 24 against.

Falamarzi’s goal came after a sustained spell of pressure from Al Hidd, who controlled possession for much of the first half. The home side nearly opened the scoring early but missed a header from close range in the 12th minute. Al Shabab’s best chance came on a counterattack in the 35th minute, but the shot sailed wide.

After the break, Al Hidd increased the tempo. A cross from the right flank found Falamarzi unmarked near the penalty spot, and he converted with a low left-footed shot into the left corner of the net. Al Shabab struggled to mount a response, managing only one shot on target in the final 25 minutes.

The victory moves Al Hidd into a tighter race in the league standings, while Al Shabab remains in the lower half. The result also extended Al Hidd’s home record to six wins, three losses and two draws this season.

An Interstat game simulator had projected a final score of Al Hidd 2, Al Shabab 1 before the match.