RIT Dubai hosted UOWD at the HCT - Main Pitch on 26 November 2024, with kick-off at 7:30pm. The match concluded with RIT Dubai securing a narrow 1-0 victory, thanks to a second-half penalty, in a tightly contested league fixture that kept the spectators on the edge of their seats.
RIT Dubai lined up in a classic 4-4-2 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for quick transitions to attack. Shukor Asmar took his place in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Husnain Khan and Aws Dashash as the right and left defenders, respectively, with Mohamed Chahine and Filip Simunac forming the central defensive partnership. In midfield, Omar Remawi and Mohamed AlSayed operated on the right and left flanks, while Saif Abu Sneineh and Ahmed Qadourah controlled the central areas. Up front, Masoud Barahoey and Artur Farhutdinov were tasked with leading the line as the two forwards. The substitutes available for RIT Dubai included Hazza Yateem, Mohamed Saif, and Abdulrahman Al Hanafi.
The match began with an early attempt from Masoud Barahoey, who tested the UOWD goalkeeper just two minutes in, but his effort was saved. RIT Dubai looked to assert their dominance early, but the game quickly became physical, with Saif Abu Sneineh committing a foul in the fifth minute, followed by another foul from Barahoey just two minutes later.
As the first half progressed, RIT Dubai continued to push forward, with Barahoey again trying his luck in the 12th minute, only to see his shot go wide. UOWD's defence held firm, and the match saw its first offside call against Artur Farhutdinov in the 20th minute, indicating the fine margins at play. The physicality of the match was evident as Abu Sneineh and Omar Remawi both found themselves penalised for fouls, while Mohamed Chahine also received a warning for a foul in the 34th minute.
The first half concluded with the score still level at 0-0, but RIT Dubai came out with renewed vigour after the break. Saif Abu Sneineh had a chance to break the deadlock in the 40th minute, but his shot sailed high over the bar. Tactical changes were made shortly after half-time, with Hazza Yateem replacing Farhutdinov in the 41st minute. Yateem made an immediate impact, forcing a save from the UOWD goalkeeper just a minute after his introduction.
As the second half unfolded, RIT Dubai continued to apply pressure, with Filip Simunac also testing the UOWD defence in the 45th minute, but his header across goal couldn’t find any in rushing strikers. Mohamed AlSayed had the best chance of the match in the 57th minute, yet his effort was also thwarted. The breakthrough finally came in the 61st minute when Hazza Yateem was fouled inside the box, and then calmly converted a penalty, sending the home crowd into raptures and giving RIT Dubai a crucial 1-0 lead.
UOWD attempted to respond, but the match remained fiercely contested. Mohamed Saif was cautioned for a foul in the 62nd minute, and Omar Remawi received a yellow card for a bad tackle just three minutes later. Abdulrahman Al Hanafi also committed a foul in the 67th minute, as tensions rose on the pitch.
Despite UOWD's efforts to find an equaliser, RIT Dubai held firm, showcasing their defensive resilience and tactical discipline. The match concluded with RIT Dubai celebrating a hard-fought victory, with Husnain Khan earning accolades for his commanding performance at the back. The win not only boosts RIT Dubai's league standing but also highlights their potential as a formidable side in the competition.
