On a tense Friday afternoon at Sirous Ghayeghran Stadium, Malavan secured a vital 1-0 victory over Kheybar Khorramabad thanks to a solitary second-half strike from A. Safarzadeh, breaking the visitors’ resistance and propelling the hosts to a crucial three points in the Persian Gulf Pro League regular season.

The match began cagey, punctuated only by flashes of attacking intent and early discipline from both sides. The first major incident came just six minutes in, when Kheybar’s M. Goudarzi went into the referee’s book for a heavy challenge in midfield, setting a combative tone for the contest. Malavan responded with patient buildup, but found Kheybar’s defense organized and difficult to break down throughout a goalless first half.

As the interval approached, Malavan’s S. Karimi picked up a yellow card in the 44th minute, as persistent pressure from Kheybar prompted some desperation in the home ranks. Both teams went into halftime still searching for a breakthrough, with neither able to carve out clear-cut opportunities against well-marshaled defenses.

The second half saw Malavan gradually seize the initiative, pressing higher and committing more men forward. Their persistence was finally rewarded in the 72nd minute, as midfielder A. Habibi danced free on the right flank and delivered a precise pass into the box. Awaiting the delivery was A. Safarzadeh, who timed his run perfectly and calmly slotted home, sending the home fans into jubilation.

Kheybar responded with renewed urgency, pushing for an equalizer in the closing stages. However, Malavan’s back line—buoyed by the leadership of their captain and some assured goalkeeping—held firm under pressure, denying the visitors space and time in dangerous areas. As the clock wound down, the hosts managed the remaining minutes with composure, ultimately clinching a hard-fought win.

This result sees Malavan leapfrog up the standings, now sitting in mid-table and building momentum after a challenging start to the campaign. For Kheybar Khorramabad, the defeat marks a setback but not a disaster, as they remain within touching distance of the league’s upper tier.

In a match defined by fine margins, it was the combination of Habibi’s vision and Safarzadeh’s composure that provided the difference, ensuring that Malavan’s loyal supporters left Sirous Ghayeghran Stadium with reason to celebrate on a crisp October afternoon.