RIT Dubai faced off against Middlesex University in a league away match at the HCT - Main Pitch on 11 February 2025, kicking off at 9:30pm. The match concluded with a convincing 3-0 victory for RIT Dubai, showcasing their dominance throughout the encounter.
RIT Dubai adopted a 4-4-2 formation, which provided a solid defensive base while allowing for attacking flexibility. Anandha Krishnan stood guard in goal, supported by a back four comprising Husnain Khan and Aws Dashash as right and left defenders, respectively, with Artemii Graf and Filip Simunac anchoring the central defence. The midfield was structured with Omar Remawi and Mohammad AlSayyed on the right and left flanks, while Saif Abu Sneineh and Ahmed Qadourah operated centrally, tasked with linking play and supporting the forwards. Up front, Hazza Yateem and Masoud Barahoey were positioned as the two strikers, expected to exploit any defensive lapses from the opposition.
The substitutes for RIT Dubai included Artur Farhutdinov, Nariman Samani, and Abdelhamid Darweesh, who would later play pivotal roles in the match.
The match began with an early foul by Ahmed Qadourah, but it was quickly overshadowed by a penalty awarded to RIT Dubai just a minute later. Hazza Yateem stepped up to take the spot-kick and confidently slotted it home with his right foot, giving RIT Dubai a 1-0 lead in the fourth minute. Middlesex University struggled to respond, with Omar Remawi committing a foul shortly after, but RIT Dubai maintained their momentum.
Hazza Yateem found himself in an offside position three times within the first 12 minutes, indicating RIT Dubai's attacking intent. However, it was not until the 14th minute that he had another opportunity, firing wide of the target. The forward continued to be a nuisance for the Middlesex defence, but his attempts in the 15th and 20th minutes also went astray.
As the first half progressed, RIT Dubai's pressure paid off again in the 35th minute. Following a corner taken by Saif Abu Sneineh, Filip Simunac rose highest to head the ball into the net, doubling the lead to 2-0. The first half concluded with RIT Dubai firmly in control, leading 2-0 at the break.
The second half saw RIT Dubai continue their dominance, with Hazza Yateem testing the Middlesex goalkeeper shortly after the restart, but his shot was saved. The match took a turn in the 57th minute when Filip Simunac received a yellow card, shortly before Middlesex University were reduced to ten men after a second yellow card was issued to one of their players in the 58th minute.
Despite being a man down, Middlesex attempted to rally, but Hazza Yateem was again caught offside in the 59th minute. RIT Dubai made a tactical change in the 60th minute, bringing on Nariman Samani for Saif Abu Sneineh, as they looked to solidify their control of the match.
As the game approached its final stages, RIT Dubai continued to press forward. In the 68th minute, Nariman Samani scored a well-taken goal, assisted by Artur Farhutdinov with a short pass, extending the lead to 3-0. The match concluded shortly after, with RIT Dubai securing a comprehensive victory.
In the closing moments, Abdelhamid Darweesh replaced Omar Remawi, but the result was already beyond doubt. RIT Dubai's performance was characterised by solid defending, effective midfield play, and clinical finishing, ensuring they left the pitch with all three points.
