By Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe,Samuel Obour
Copyright yen
Ghana and Africa’s pride was etched in gold as the University for Development Studies (UDS) emerged as world championsThe Developers secured four wins and scored 14 goals to clinch the ultimate prize at the University World Cup Football Tournament in ChinaHead coach Shaibu Ibrahim Tanko has also disclosed the amount of money the team earned from their remarkable triumph
The University for Development Studies (UDS) etched its name into history on Sunday, September 28, after defeating Paulista University of Brazil 2–1 in extra time to win the 2025 FISU World University Football Cup.
The triumph marked Ghana and Africa’s first victory in the competition and showcased the unyielding spirit of the Tamale-based institution.
UDS are champions at World University Cup
The final had drama from the very first whistle. Paulista stunned UDS when Gabriel Viera pounced on a defensive lapse and lobbed Emmanuel Edo within 30 seconds.
But the Developers refused to be rattled. Coach Shaibu Tanko Ibrahim’s men seized control, dictated play, and created numerous chances, though their finishing fell short.
Their persistence paid off in the dying moments of stoppage time when Frimpong dazzled past Silva and forced a save that spilt into the path of skipper Asigre Sulemana, who calmly slotted home to drag the contest into extra time.
With momentum on their side, UDS pushed relentlessly during the additional minutes.
Silva stood firm with brilliant saves, but in the 121st minute, his resistance cracked.
Ezedeen Alhassan’s corner caused havoc, and Silva fumbled under pressure, allowing the ball to cross the line.
That decisive goal sealed a famous victory, dethroning Paulista, the 2023 champions, and sparking wild celebrations, according to the official website of UDS.
Watch the winning goal:
Ghana hails UDS heroes but no prize money
The team’s success is a proud moment for the country, and Ghana’s Ambassador to China, Kojo Bonsu, said it is a “remarkable achievement”.
Speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama and the people of Ghana, Bonsu hailed the players and technical staff for flying the national flag high.
“This remarkable achievement is a testament to your hard work, discipline, and unyielding determination. By excelling on the international stage, you have lifted high the flag of Ghana and brought honour not only to your university but to the entire nation,” Bonsu declared.
Watch the moment UDS were crowned champions:
How much UDS earned from winning FISU Cup
Head coach Shaibu Ibrahim Tanko confirmed that the tournament carried no financial reward.
“Not at all, there is nothing like that,” Tanko revealed to Sporty FM.
As president of the Ghana University Sports Association (GUSA), he emphasised the need for more institutional support to nurture talent at the tertiary level and provide young players with greater opportunities to shine.
In the absence of prize money, corporate support stepped in.
A Ghanaian-owned company based in China, Weiketuo, gifted defender Jonas a brand-new iPhone and presented the entire squad with new football boots in recognition of their achievement, according to @QuakuAde on X.
For UDS, the victory was more than silverware. It was a statement of resilience, teamwork, and the boundless potential of Ghanaian student-athletes when given the platform to perform.
KNUST beats UCC to win GUSA Games
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that KNUST triumphed in football at the GUSA Games held in Cape Coast in January 2025.
The Kumasi-based university successfully defended its title by defeating hosts, the University of Ghana, in the final.
Source: YEN.com.gh
