The University for Development Studies (UDS) has made history once again, storming into the final of the FISU World University Football Tournament in Dalian, China.
The Ghanaian side booked their place in the final after edging Spain’s Granada University 5-4 on penalties on Friday, 26th September 2025, following a goalless stalemate in regulation time.
In a match brimming with grit and determination, UDS held their Spanish opponents to a goalless draw after 90 minutes of play. The tie was settled by a penalty shoot-out, with UDS converting five of their six attempts.
Goalkeeper Emmanuel Edo emerged the hero of the night, pulling off two crucial saves to secure a famous 5-4 victory and spark wild celebrations among the UDS contingent.
This triumph not only books UDS a place in Sunday’s final but also writes a new chapter in African university football.The Tamale-based institution becomes the first Ghanaian university — and the first from Africa — to ever reach the final of a global university football competition. It also marks the first time since 2009 that a Ghanaian team has advanced to a final on the world stage.
The journey, however, is not over. Standing between UDS and glory is none other than defending champions Paulista University of Brazil, who await them in the final on Sunday, 28th September, 2025.
The two sides have already crossed paths in the group stage, playing out a hard-fought 1-1 draw — a sign of just how closely matched this final could be.
UDS now stands on the brink of history, with the chance to deliver Africa’s first-ever global university football title.
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Story by Erica Odeenyin Odoom|univers.ug.edu.gh
