UDS Wins First FISU World Cup for Africa

The University for Development Studies (UDS) has made history by winning the FISU World University Football Tournament, becoming the first African university to achieve this remarkable feat.

On Sunday, September, 28, 2025, the Ghanaian university (UDS) secured the trophy after a dramatic 2-1 comeback win against Brazil’s Paulista University in the final on Sunday.

The match started in shocking fashion when Paulista forward Gabriel Viera struck in the opening 30 seconds to give the South Americans the lead. With their experience as defending champions, Paulista looked ready to control the game and keep the trophy.

But UDS, determined not to give up, gradually found their rhythm. They absorbed heavy pressure and began to push forward as the minutes ticked away. Their persistence paid off in injury time when captain Mohammed Sulemana scored a crucial equaliser, sparking wild celebrations and sending the match into extra time.

In the additional minutes, both sides fought fiercely for a winner, creating chances at both ends. Just when penalties seemed inevitable, UDS earned a corner kick. Ezedeen Alhassan stepped up and curled the ball directly into the net, a stunning strike that sealed the 2-1 victory and triggered jubilant scenes among the players and fans.

The road to glory had not been easy for the Tamale-based university. In the semi-finals, UDS faced Spain’s University of Granada in a tense game that ended goalless. Goalkeeper Emmanuel Edo became the hero of the night, saving penalties as UDS triumphed 5-4 in the shootout to book their place in the final.

This historic achievement not only dethroned Paulista University but also brought pride to the entire continent.

UDS has now become the first African institution to lift the prestigious FISU University World Cup Football trophy since its inception. Until this victory, only South American universities, including teams from Brazil and Uruguay, had won the competition.