RIT Dubai Secure Convincing 3-0 Victory At HCT Main Pitch

RIT Dubai travelled to the HCT Main Pitch on 29 January 2026 to face Middlesex University in a league away fixture that kicked off at 7:30pm. The 70-minute contest plus added time ended in a comprehensive 3-0 win for RIT Dubai, who dominated proceedings throughout the match.

Deploying a 3-1-4-2 formation, RIT Dubai set up with Omar Taalab in goal, protected by a back three comprising Husnain Khan at right defender, Mohsin Ayaz centrally, and Aws Dashash on the left. Mohamed Hazza operated as the lone central midfielder sitting just ahead of the defence, tasked with breaking up play and distributing the ball forward. Ahead of him, a quartet of attacking midfielders featured Artur Farhutdinov on the right, Mohamed Haitam Yousfi and Mohammad AlSayyed centrally, and Masoud Barahoey on the left. Leading the line were two forwards: Saeed Alhashemi on the right and Hazza Yateem on the left. The formation was designed to provide defensive solidity with three at the back while allowing fluid attacking movements through the midfield four and two strikers.

The substitutes named on the bench were Abdelhamid Darweesh, Nariman Samani, Ahmed Qadourah, Abdellah Jemal, and Khalifa Albedwawi.

From the outset, RIT Dubai showed intent. Within the first minute, goalkeeper Omar Taalab was called into action with a full stretch save that set the tone for his assured performance between the sticks. Just moments later, Mohamed Haitam Yousfi tested the opposition keeper but saw his effort saved, while Taalab again demonstrated his reflexes with a parry in the fifth minute.

RIT Dubai’s first goal arrived in the 10th minute when Saeed Alhashemi unleashed a spectacular screamer from outside the box with his right foot, following a clever flick assist from Mohammad AlSayyed. This early strike gave the visitors a deserved lead and put Middlesex University on the back foot. However, the joy was tempered slightly as Hazza Yateem was flagged offside immediately after.

Attempts continued to flow from RIT Dubai, with Masoud Barahoey and Hazza Yateem both missing the target in quick succession. The match’s physicality increased around the 16th minute when left defender Aws Dashash committed a foul and was promptly shown a yellow card. Despite this, Hazza Yateem remained a constant threat, forcing a save from the opposition goalkeeper in the 19th minute.

The game’s tempo slowed somewhat as fouls from Mohamed Hazza and Aws Dashash disrupted Middlesex University’s rhythm. Artur Farhutdinov’s high attempt in the 32nd minute was a rare miss from the attacking midfield line. As the first half drew to a close at the 35-minute mark.

As the second half began Masoud Barahoey’s shot was saved followed by a goal line scramble leading to a corner, From the resulting Corner Saeed Alhashemi swung in a perfect corner, scoring directly in the top far corner, only to find out the referee had blown his whistle for a foul on the keeper. Shortly after Saeed Alhashemi was caught offside again in the 39th minute.

Omar Taalab’s goalkeeping prowess was again on display with a crucial dive at the feet of an attacker in the 41st minute, preserving RIT Dubai’s clean sheet. Mohammad AlSayyed’s effort was saved just before half time, and Mohamed Hazza committed another foul in the 44th minute, underscoring the competitive nature of the match.

The second half saw RIT Dubai extend their lead in the 50th minute when Hazza Yateem confidently converted a penalty with his right foot, doubling the advantage and effectively putting the game beyond doubt.

Shortly after, tactical changes were made with two substitutions at the 56th minute mark: Abdelhamid Darweesh replaced Saeed Alhashemi, and Nariman Samani came on for Artur Farhutdinov. Despite the changes, Hazza Yateem continued to press, though his attempt went wide in the 57th minute. Masoud Barahoey’s shot was saved again in the same minute.

The visitors’ third goal arrived swiftly in the 58th minute when substitute Abdelhamid Darweesh scored from outside the area with a precise left-footed strike, assisted by a short pass from Hazza Yateem. This goal sealed the emphatic victory for RIT Dubai.

Further substitutions followed in the 62nd minute with Ahmed Qadourah replacing Mohamed Haitam Yousfi, Abdellah Jemal coming on for Masoud Barahoey, and Khalifa Albedwawi taking over from Husnain Khan. The match saw a couple of fouls from the fresh legs of Jemal and Qadourah in the 67th minute, but Middlesex University failed to capitalise, despite a late disallowed goal for offside.

In the closing stages, Mohammad AlSayyed and Aws Dashash both had attempts that went wide, but the scoreline remained unchanged. RIT Dubai’s defensive organisation and clinical finishing ensured a clean sheet and a well-earned three points.

Mohamed Hazza was named player of the match for his pivotal role in midfield, combining defensive discipline with effective distribution and leadership throughout the game.

RIT Dubai’s 3-0 triumph at the HCT Main Pitch was a statement of intent in the league, showcasing their tactical flexibility, attacking prowess, and defensive resilience. Middlesex University were unable to break down a well-drilled side and will need to regroup ahead of their next fixture.

RIT now sit just 4 points away from a guaranteed spot in the UAE Uni Games Central conference qualifiers.