UDS Reach Historic Final at World University Football Tournament
Ghana’s University for Development Studies (UDS) have booked their place in the grand finale of the FISU World University Football Tournament after edging Spain’s University of Granada in a tense penalty shootout in Dalian, China.
The semi-final clash on Friday proved a cagey battle, with both sides unable to break the deadlock after 90 minutes of high-intensity football. The stalemate forced the game into penalties, where UDS held their nerve to clinch a dramatic 5-4 victory.
Goalkeeper Emmanuel Edo was the hero of the night, pulling off two decisive saves during the shootout to seal the Ghanaian side’s progression and spark wild celebrations among the players and fans.
🇬🇭 UDS reach World University Games final after 5-4 penalty shootout win over 🇪🇸 University of Granada following goalless draw#JoySports pic.twitter.com/RPtbpy3UZs
— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) September 26, 2025
The win cements UDS’ place in history as the first Ghanaian university to reach the final of a global football competition. It is also the first time since 2009 that any Ghanaian team has contested the final of a world-level football tournament.
Attention now turns to Sunday, September 28, 2025, when UDS will face Brazil’s Paulista University, the defending champions. The Ghanaian students will be aiming to complete their fairytale journey by lifting the title and etching their names in the record books.
