RIT Dubai And AUS B Share Spoils In Thrilling Cup Clash

In a gripping encounter at the American University of Sharjah on 12 March 2025, RIT Dubai faced AUS B in a cup away match that ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw after 70 minutes of normal time. The match culminated in a penalty shootout, where RIT Dubai triumphed 4-2, securing their place in the next round of the competition.

RIT Dubai lined up in a 4-4-2 formation, which saw Anandha Krishnan stationed in goal, providing a solid last line of defence. The back four consisted of Husnain Khan and Aws Dashash as the right and left defenders, respectively, while Artemii Graf and Mohsin Ayaz formed the central defensive partnership. In midfield, Artur Farhutdinov and Mohammad AlSayyed occupied the right and left flanks, with Saif Abu Sneineh and Ahmed Qadourah anchoring the central midfield. Up front, Nariman Samani and Hazza Yateem were tasked with leading the line as the two forwards. The substitutes for RIT Dubai included Omar Remawi and Abdelhamid Darweesh.

The match kicked off with an early shock for RIT Dubai, as AUS B were awarded a penalty just five minutes in. Artemii Graf was penalised for a foul, allowing the opponents to convert from the spot with a right-footed strike, putting RIT Dubai on the back foot. However, the response was swift and decisive. Just six minutes later, Hazza Yateem found the back of the net, courtesy of a long pass from Artur Farhutdinov, scoring with his left foot from inside the box to level the score.

RIT Dubai continued to press, and by the 19th minute, Yateem struck again, this time with a right-footed effort from close range, again assisted by Farhutdinov, who delivered a precise cross. The momentum appeared to be firmly with RIT Dubai, but disaster struck in the 20th minute when an own goal from AUS B, credited to Artemii Graf, levelled the scores once more, leaving the match finely poised at 2-2.

As the first half progressed, RIT Dubai made their first substitution in the 27th minute, bringing on Omar Remawi for Mohammad AlSayyed. The match took a more physical turn, with Hazza Yateem receiving a yellow card in the 28th minute, followed by Nariman Samani being cautioned just before half-time. The first half concluded with the teams locked at 2-2.

The second half saw RIT Dubai make another change, with Abdelhamid Darweesh replacing the booked Samani in the 52nd minute. However, the match continued to be fiercely contested, and in the 59th minute, Aws Dashash received a yellow card, adding to the growing tension on the pitch.

As the clock ticked down, both teams fought valiantly to find a winner, but neither could break the deadlock, leading to a penalty shootout. RIT Dubai displayed composure under pressure, converting four penalties to AUS B's two, securing their advancement in the cup competition. The standout performer for RIT Dubai was undoubtedly Husnain Khan, whose contributions were pivotal throughout the match.