RIT Dubai faced off against Canadian University Dubai in a gripping league match at Citizens School on 31 October 2024, with the home side emerging victorious with a scoreline of 3-2. The match kicked off at 8:45 pm and was marked by a series of dramatic events that kept the small crowd of 50 spectators on the edge of their seats.
RIT Dubai set up in a 4-5-1 formation, designed to bolster their midfield while allowing for quick transitions to attack. Yesa Aamir took his place in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Husnain Khan on the right, Mohamed Chahine and Filip Simunac in central defence, and Aws Dashash on the left. The midfield trio featured Saif Abu Sneineh, Ahmed Qadourah, and Abdulrahman Al Hanafi, providing both defensive cover and support for the lone striker, Masoud Barahoey, who was flanked by right midfielder Omar Remawi and left midfielder Hazza Yateem. The substitutes for the match included Mohamed AlSayed, Artur Farhutdinov, Emadeddin AlHaq, Omar Ali, and Hussam Alazzah.
The match began with an early shock for RIT Dubai as Canadian University Dubai took the lead just four minutes in, scoring from inside the box with a right-footed effort. This setback seemed to galvanise RIT, who responded swiftly. Just five minutes later, Masoud Barahoey levelled the score, converting a close-range effort after a precise short pass from Hazza Yateem.
As the first half progressed, RIT Dubai continued to press, but their efforts were met with mixed results. Omar Remawi was penalised for a foul in the sixth minute, and shortly after, Yesa Aamir had to make a crucial parry to deny the opponents a second goal. Barahoey had another attempt saved in the twelfth minute, while Hazza Yateem's shot went wide shortly thereafter.
The match took a turn in the 31st minute when Canadian University Dubai capitalised on a defensive mistake from Yesa Aamir, who failed to maintain concentration, allowing the opponents to score again from close range. This goal brought the score to 2-1 in favour of the visitors. RIT Dubai struggled to regain their composure, with Saif Abu Sneineh committing a foul just before the half-time whistle, which came at the 35-minute mark.
The second half saw immediate changes for RIT Dubai, with Mohamed AlSayed replacing Abdulrahman Al Hanafi as the teams resumed play. The substitutions continued as Artur Farhutdinov came on for Husnain Khan, and Omar Ali replaced Masoud Barahoey, indicating a tactical shift to regain control of the match.
Despite their efforts, RIT Dubai faced a series of missed opportunities, with Ahmed Qadourah and Filip Simunac both failing to find the target. However, the tide began to turn when Hazza Yateem was awarded a penalty in the 65th minute after being fouled in the box. Yateem stepped up and confidently converted the penalty, bringing the score to 2-2.
As the match approached its final moments, RIT Dubai continued to press for a winner. In the 70th minute, Mohamed AlSayed found the net, tapping in a well-placed short pass from Hazza Yateem to complete the turnaround and secure a 3-2 lead for the home side.
In the closing stages, RIT Dubai maintained their composure, with Mohamed Chahine committing a foul in the 72nd minute, but the home side held firm to claim a vital victory. This thrilling encounter showcased the resilience and determination of RIT Dubai, who now look forward to their next challenge with renewed confidence.
