The University for Development Studies (UDS) in Ghana lifted the 2025 World University Men’s Soccer Championship Cup on Sunday morning in Dalian, China.
The pride of the North came from behind to beat defending champions Paulista University of Brazil 2-1 in a thrilling final.
The team entered the match determined to make Ghana and Africa proud, becoming the first African university to reach the final of this prestigious tournament.
Team captain Mohammed Sulemana Asigre scored a dramatic equalizer in the 92nd minute, cancelling out Gabriel Viera’s goal just 30 seconds into the game. Then, in extra time, prolific midfielder Ezedeen Alhassan sent the entire African continent into celebration with a perfectly placed corner kick that left the goalkeeper stranded, sealing a historic victory for UDS.
Having previously drawn 1-1 with Paulista University during the group stage, where UDS topped their group, the final was a tightly contested, evenly matched encounter.
Ahead of the final, UDS received strong backing from national leaders, including the Vice President of Ghana and the Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang and Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, who expressed their support and pride.
“University for Development Studies (UDS) has performed marvelously in the ongoing University Football Championship (Men’s Category). It’s clear they didn’t go there for anything less than NumberOne. They didn’t go for diamond, bronze, or silver, they went for gold, and gold they are poised to bring home,” one statement read.
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