UDS Makes History, wins 2025 FISU World University Football Cup

UDS Makes History, Wins 2025 FISU World University Football Cup

Dalian, China — In a momentous feat for Ghana and the African continent, the University for Development Studies (UDS) has clinched the 2025 FISU World University Football Cup after edging out Brazil’s Paulista University 2–1 in extra time.

A Final to Remember: The men’s final drew a packed stadium, with over 43,000 spectators in attendance at Suoywan Stadium in Dalian. Paulista struck early, netting a goal inside the opening minute to stun UDS and set the tone for a tense contest. Against the run of play, UDS battled back. In the dying moments of injury time, Mohammed Asigre Sulemana equalized, sending the match into extra time. Then, deep in the second half of extra time, the decisive moment arrived from a corner kick — the ball was scrambled over the line, sealing UDS’s historic win. In doing so, UDS became the first African university ever to lift the FISU World University Football Cup.

Road to Glory: UDS’s path to the final was marked by grit and consistency: In their opener at the tournament, they defeated the University of Sharjah (UAE) 2–1 to kick off their campaign on a strong note. Their second group match saw them dismantle Ramon Llull University (Spain) 4–1 to become the first African university ever to reach the quarterfinals of the tournament. The semifinal opponent and result were kept tightly under wraps until the final showdown. Each stage underscored the resilience and tactical maturity of UDS under the guidance of coach Ibrahim Tanko.

Reactions and Ramifications: Back home, the win has triggered waves of celebration: Kofi Adams, Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, extended his heartfelt congratulations, calling the triumph a representation of Ghana and Africa on the world stage. President, vice-presidential, sporting, and academic circles have lauded UDS’s players, coaching staff, and the institution for achieving a milestone that will inspire future generations. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) also praised UDS’s performance, pointing out that it had supported their preparations, including logistical aid and training camps.  For UDS, this isn’t just a sports victory — it’s a landmark moment for Ghanaian and African university sport, signifying that with planning, quality talent, and ambition, even institutions outside traditional powerhouses can reach global heights.

What Next for UDS? The team is expected to return to Ghana amid grand homecoming celebrations across Tamale and their campuses. There will likely be recognition from educational authorities, possible improvements in sports funding, and an opportunity to leverage this success into further development for university-level football in Ghana. UDS could also serve as a model for other African universities seeking to compete at the highest international levels. This triumph by UDS underlines a shift in the landscape of university sports, where African institutions now stand among the elite on the world stage. It’s a moment that will be talked about for years, and one that may just be the start of greater things to come.

Sources: myjoyonline, gbconline, Ghana Football Association