RIT Dubai faced off against Middlesex University in a pulsating league encounter at GEMS Al Khail School on 16 October 2024, kicking off at 7:30pm. The match concluded with RIT Dubai edging out their opponents with a scoreline of 4-3, showcasing a thrilling display of attacking football.
RIT Dubai adopted a 4-2-3-1 formation, which allowed them to maintain a solid defensive structure while providing ample support for their attacking players. Yesa Aamir stood guard in goal, with a back four comprising Omar Remawi on the right, Husnain Khan and Filip Simunac as central defenders, and Anas Bukdida on the left. The midfield duo of Ahmed Qadourah and Saif Abu Sneineh was tasked with controlling the tempo, while Artur Farhutdinov, Mohamed AlSayed, and Hazza Yateem provided width and creativity in the attacking midfield roles, supporting lone striker Masoud Barahoey.
The substitutes for RIT Dubai included Nariman Samani, Ahmed Mattar, Hussam Alazzah, Aws Dashash, and Mohamed Razvin, who would later play crucial roles in the match.
The match got off to a sensational start as Saif Abu Sneineh opened the scoring for RIT Dubai just one minute in, striking a stunning free kick from outside the area that found the back of the net, assisted by Hazza Yateem. However, Middlesex University responded quickly, equalising in the 12th minute with a well-placed header from a set piece.
RIT Dubai continued to press, with Hazza Yateem coming close to restoring their lead, hitting the crossbar in the 15th minute. Despite their efforts, it was Middlesex who took the lead in the 19th minute, again capitalising on a set piece to score another header from close range.
As the first half progressed, RIT Dubai struggled to find their rhythm, with attempts from Ahmed Qadourah and Masoud Barahoey going high and wide. In the 27th minute, a substitution saw Nariman Samani replace Mohamed AlSayed, aiming to inject fresh energy into the midfield. Shortly after, Masoud Barahoey's attempt in the 28th minute also went wide, while Middlesex scored their third goal from yet another set piece in the same minute, extending their lead.
RIT Dubai made further tactical adjustments at half-time, bringing on Ahmed Mattar for Hazza Yateem, Hussam Alazzah for Omar Remawi, and Mohamed AlSayed for Saif Abu Sneineh, as they sought to turn the tide in the second half.
The second half began with RIT Dubai looking more determined, but they faced a resilient Middlesex defence. Yesa Aamir showcased his goalkeeping prowess with a full-stretch save in the 54th minute, keeping RIT Dubai in the game. As the match wore on, RIT Dubai's persistence paid off when Mohamed AlSayed scored a header in the 63rd minute, assisted by a precise cross from Omar Remawi, narrowing the deficit to 3-2.
Just a minute later, Artur Farhutdinov levelled the match at 3-3 with a well-executed goal following a slick team move, assisted by Nariman Samani. The momentum shifted dramatically in favour of RIT Dubai, who were now in full flow.
However, the match took a turn as Nariman Samani received a yellow card for dissent in the 65th minute, followed closely by a yellow card for Omar Remawi for persistent fouling. RIT Dubai continued to press for the winner, but they faced a series of offside calls, including one against Ahmed Mattar in the 68th minute.
In the 79th minute, RIT Dubai was awarded a penalty, and Hazza Yateem stepped up to convert it confidently, putting RIT Dubai ahead 4-3. The closing minutes saw RIT Dubai defend their lead, with Mohamed Razvin receiving a yellow card for unsporting behaviour in the 81st minute.
Despite a late surge from Middlesex, RIT Dubai held firm, securing a thrilling victory in a match that showcased their resilience and attacking flair. The performance of goalkeeper Yesa Aamir was particularly noteworthy, as he made several crucial saves throughout the match, earning him recognition as a standout player alongside Nariman Samani, who was named Player of the Match.
