President John Dramani Mahama has presented a GHC500,000 cash reward to the University for Development Studies (UDS) football team following their historic victory at the FISU World University Football Tournament in China.
The President made the presentation when the triumphant UDS team paid a courtesy call on him at the Jubilee House to present their trophy.
UDS made history by becoming the first African university to win the global competition, capturing worldwide attention with a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Brazil’s Paulista University in the final.
The match, played before a lively crowd in China, saw UDS concede within the opening 10 seconds. But the team showed remarkable resilience, captain Mohammed Sulemana equalised deep into stoppage time before Ezedeen Alhassan scored a stunning winner from a corner in extra time to seal the historic triumph.
President Mahama commended the players and coaching staff for their exceptional display of determination and patriotism.
“You have lifted the flag of Ghana high and inspired millions of young Africans to believe in their potential,” the President said. “Your victory is a symbol of hard work, unity and national pride.”
The UDS contingent returned home to a hero’s welcome at the Kotoka International Airport on Sunday, October 5, where fans and officials celebrated their groundbreaking achievement.
With the President’s reward and nationwide recognition, the team’s triumph is being hailed as a milestone moment for Ghanaian university sports and a reminder that African teams can compete and win on the world stage.
