RIT Dubai faced Westford University in a tense tournament encounter at the Amity University Campus on 4th November 2024, kicking off at 7:40 PM. The match concluded with RIT Dubai securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory, thanks to a crucial goal from Artur Farhutdinov.
RIT Dubai adopted a 4-1-4-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for dynamic attacking play. Francois Motte took his position in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Husnain Khan and Hussam Alazzah as right and left defenders, respectively, with Mohsin Ayaz and Aws Dashash occupying the central defensive roles. In front of the defence, Munzir Kashef played as a central midfielder, tasked with breaking up opposition play and distributing the ball effectively. The attacking midfield quartet featured Artur Farhutdinov on the right, Nariman Samani and Mohamed AlSayed centrally, and Abdullah Mattar on the left, all expected to support lone striker Mohamed Razvin.
The substitutes for RIT Dubai included Saif Abu Sneineh, Khaled Jayyusi, Omar Ali, and Ahmed Mattar, who would be called upon to provide fresh legs as the match progressed.
The match began with an early foul by Munzir Kashef, who was penalised just four minutes in. RIT Dubai quickly settled into their rhythm, with Nariman Samani attempting a shot on goal in the 10th minute, but it went wide of the target. Artur Farhutdinov followed suit in the 14th minute, but his effort sailed high over the bar.
Francois Motte was called into action shortly after, making a crucial parry to deny Westford University in the 15th minute. However, RIT Dubai's Mohamed AlSayed was flagged offside just moments later, halting what could have been a promising attack. Nariman Samani was again involved, committing a foul in the 18th minute, and then another just a minute later, as the match became increasingly physical.
As the first half progressed, RIT Dubai continued to push forward but were unable to find the back of the net before the half-time whistle blew at the 25-minute mark. Following the break, RIT made two substitutions, bringing on Khaled Jayyusi for Aws Dashash and Saif Abu Sneineh for Mohamed Razvin, both in an effort to inject fresh energy into the team.
The second half began with Saif Abu Sneineh making an immediate impact, hitting the crossbar with a powerful shot in the 26th minute. Nariman Samani then tested the Westford goalkeeper, but his shot was saved in the 27th minute. Mohamed AlSayed also had a chance in the 29th minute, but his effort was thwarted.
It was in the 29th minute that RIT Dubai finally broke the deadlock. Artur Farhutdinov found space inside the box and struck with his right foot, sending the ball past the Westford goalkeeper to give RIT a 1-0 lead. The goal invigorated the team, and Saif Abu Sneineh continued to press, but his subsequent shot was saved in the 30th minute.
As the match wore on, RIT Dubai made another substitution, with Ahmed Mattar replacing Abdullah Mattar in the 33rd minute, followed shortly by Omar Ali coming on for Munzir Kashef. Despite their best efforts, Nariman Samani's attempts in the 34th and 35th minutes were either wide or high, failing to extend RIT's lead.
Francois Motte remained vigilant in goal, making a series of important saves, including a parry in the 37th minute and a an amazing follow up save from close range. As the match approached its conclusion, Khaled Jayyusi was penalised for a foul in the 38th minute, while Nariman Samani hit the post in the 40th minute, narrowly missing a chance to double the advantage.
Motte continued to shine, making a catch in the 41st minute and again in the 46th minute, showcasing his goalkeeping prowess. In the dying moments of the match, Nariman Samani had one last attempt saved in the 48th minute, while Artur Farhutdinov committed a foul in the 50th minute, but it was too late for Westford University to mount a comeback.
RIT Dubai's solid defensive display and crucial goal from Farhutdinov earned them a well-deserved victory, with Francois Motte's outstanding performance in goal earning him the Player of the Match accolade. The team will look to build on this success as they progress through the tournament.
