The University for Development Studies (UDS) made history on Sunday after defeating defending champions Paulista University of Brazil 2-1 to lift the 2025 World University Games football trophy.
In front of nearly 23,000 fans, the match got off to a nightmare start for the Ghanaians when Gabriel Viera capitalised on a defensive slip to lob goalkeeper Emmanuel Edo just 30 seconds in.
But Ibrahim Tanko’s men refused to give in. They grew stronger as the game wore on, piling pressure on Paulista’s defence. Their persistence paid off deep into stoppage time when captain Asigre Sulemana struck from close range in the 93rd minute to send the final into extra time.
The drama wasn’t over. UDS continued to push forward, and in the 121st minute, a corner from Ezedeen Alhassan slipped through Paulista goalkeeper Silva’s hands and into the net. The late strike sparked wild celebrations from the Ghanaian bench and fans alike.
The final whistle sealed a famous victory, dethroning Paulista, champions two years ago and crowning UDS as the new kings of university football on the world stage.
It marks a proud moment not only for the university but also for Ghana, as UDS became the first Ghanaian institution to win the tournament.
