RIT Dubai 3 vs 4 University of Dubai

RIT Dubai hosted University of Dubai at the HCT ground on 28 April 2026, with kick-off at 8:30pm in a fiercely contested central conference playoff final. The 60-minute encounter plus added time saw RIT Dubai fall narrowly to University of Dubai by 4-3 in an enthralling contest that swung back and forth throughout.

RIT Dubai lined up in a 3-1-4-2 formation, deploying three defenders at the back with Khalifa Albedwawi on the right, Mohsin Ayaz centrally, and Aws Dashash on the left. Mohamed Hazza operated as the lone central midfielder shielding the defence, while the midfield quartet featured Nariman Samani on the right flank, Mohammad AlSayyed and Mohamed Haitam Yousfi centrally as attacking midfielders, and Masoud Barahoey on the left. Up front, Saeed Alhashemi led the line on the right forward position alongside Hazza Yateem on the left forward. Omar Taalab started in goal. The substitutes named were Omar Remawi, Ahmed Qadourah, and Abdellah Jemal.

The match began at a frenetic pace with Hazza Yateem caught offside inside the opening minute, signalling RIT’s eagerness to press high. Just a minute later, Mohamed Haitam Yousfi was booked for a foul, setting the tone for a physical encounter. However, it was Hazza Yateem who opened the scoring in the third minute, capitalising on a defensive error from University of Dubai to fire a right-footed shot from outside the box into the net. This early goal gave RIT Dubai a promising start.

The game quickly became heated with fouls from both sides. Hazza Yateem committed a foul in the seventh minute, followed by another from Haitam Yousfi a minute later. Hazza was again flagged offside in the eighth minute, showing his aggressive positioning. Nariman Samani and then Hazza Yateem were booked for fouls in the 12th and 16th minutes respectively, while Aws Dashash also conceded a foul in the 17th minute.

University of Dubai responded strongly, equalising in the 18th minute through a scrappy goalmouth scramble finished with a left-footed strike from close range. RIT Dubai quickly hit back four minutes later when Aws Dashash powered home a header from a corner delivered by Saeed Alhashemi, restoring their lead. The match was now finely balanced and highly competitive.

Mohsin Ayaz was booked for a foul in the 24th minute as the physicality intensified. Hazza Yateem had a wide attempt at goal a minute later, while Masoud Barahoey, Saeed Alhashemi, and Mohammad AlSayyed all committed fouls between the 27th and 29th minutes. The latter part of the first half saw a crucial moment when Hazza Yateem was penalised for a handball in the 29th minute, conceding a penalty to University of Dubai.

At half-time, the score was level at 2-1 after Omar Taalab produced a vital penalty save to deny University of Dubai immediately following the handball. However, the visitors capitalized on a defensive uncertainty seconds after the restart to score again, bringing the scores level at 2-2 with a right-footed finish.

RIT Dubai refused to relent and went ahead once more in the 36th minute when Saeed Alhashemi converted a free kick expertly assisted by Hazza Yateem, firing a precise right-footed shot past the keeper. The match remained tight and tense as fouls continued to disrupt the flow, with Saeed Alhashemi and Mohamed Hazza both conceding fouls in the 41st minute, followed by another from Haitam Yousfi in the 42nd.

University of Dubai drew level again in the 43rd minute, scoring from another frantic goalmouth scramble finished with a close-range right-footed strike. RIT Dubai made their first substitution at the interval, bringing on Omar Remawi for Masoud Barahoey in the 46th minute. Ahmed Qadourah replaced Nariman Samani two minutes later.

The second half saw further disciplinary issues as Mohamed Haitam Yousfi was cautioned for dissent in the 47th minute. Omar Remawi and Aws Dashash each committed fouls in the 50th and 53rd minutes respectively. RIT Dubai made a third change with Abdellah Jemal coming on for Mohamed Hazza in the 56th minute.

University of Dubai took advantage in the 57th minute, capitalizing on yet another defensive error to score with a right-footed finish which agonizingly deflected just out the reach of the keeper. The match took a dramatic turn in the 58th minute when Mohsin Ayaz was sent off for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity as the last, leaving RIT Dubai down to ten men.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, RIT Dubai pressed forward with determination. Haitam Yousfi committed another foul in the 59th minute, and Saeed Alhashemi forced a save with a late attempt. The final whistle confirmed a 4-3 victory for University of Dubai in a pulsating encounter that showcased attacking intent and defensive frailty on both sides.

Saeed Alhashemi was named player of the match for his influential role, including a crucial assist and a well-taken goal. RIT Dubai will rue missed chances and defensive lapses but can take heart from their spirited display against a strong University of Dubai side.