Ghana’s UDS Stuns Spanish University To Reach FISU Universities World Football Tournament Final

In a match soaked in tension, sweat, and suspense, Ghana’s University for Development Studies (UDS) carved its name into the annals of history, edging past a determined Granada University side in a dramatic penalty shootout today to book a place in the finals of the FISU Universities World Football Tournament.

The encounter, held under the floodlights in Dalian, delivered all the ingredients of classic tournament football: nervy starts, heated challenges, missed chances, furious debates with referees, and the raw theatre of penalties. But ultimately, it was UDS that emerged victorious, winning 5-4 on penalties after a goalless draw in regular time.

From the opening whistle, it was clear this would be no walk in the park for either side. The tempo was cautious but intense, as both teams sought to stamp their authority without overcommitting. The first real threat came in the 19th minute when the Spanish broke through the UDS midfield line, forcing goalkeeper Emmanuel Edo into a smart save—a warning of things to come.

By the 40th minute, Spain turned up the heat again, dancing dangerously around the Ghanaian box. But Edo, calm and composed, denied them once more. UDS responded swiftly. In the 42nd minute, Zakaria Alhassan’s well-placed free-kick was tipped away by the Spanish goalkeeper, drawing a roar of approval from the UDS faithful in the stands.

After the break, the pace quickened. In the 50th minute, Skipper Asigre Mohammed tested the Spanish keeper with a stinging shot from outside the area. Moments later, Coach Ibrahim Tanko made a tactical change, bringing on Habilu Abukari for a tired-looking Dandawa in the 53rd minute.

The switch nearly paid off when Ezideen found space in the 58th minute, only to drag his shot wide of the far post. Another effort from him minutes later again failed to hit the target. Ibrahim Mohammed, who had overlapped from defensive duties, followed up with a powerful 20-yard strike, but the ball soared just over the bar—a chance that left the UDS bench clutching their heads in disbelief.

The match hit a crescendo in the 70th minute when a slick Spanish build-up ended with the ball cannoning off the UDS post. The near miss sent shockwaves through the Ghanaian camp but also seemed to awaken their fighting spirit.

Goalkeeper Emmanuel Edo, the undisputed hero of the night, was again called into action in the 76th minute, producing two back-to-back saves that drew applause even from neutral fans.

The game’s physical toll began to show. UDS suffered a blow when wing-back Jorge Renchi was forced off injured in the 80th minute, replaced by Ibrahim Salifu. Salifu wasted no time making an impact, winning a free-kick just outside the box. The crowd held its breath, but Jonas Agyemontor could only blast the effort into the wall.

Salifu would go from hero to villain moments later, bringing down a Spanish player in a contentious foul that sparked a chorus of protest from the Spanish bench. The officials stood firm, a pattern that had defined much of the game, drawing vocal disagreements from both sides.

As the clock ticked into injury time, Zakaria Alhassan had one last chance to snatch victory, but his shot sailed wide. The referee’s final whistle confirmed it: 0-0, and the destiny of both teams would be decided from 12 yards.

UDS approached the shootout with icy composure. Each kick was a thunderbolt of determination. They converted five of their six penalties, missing only once. Spain, under immense pressure, faltered twice, with Emmanuel Edo making two brilliant saves to hand UDS a famous 5-4 victory.

As the final kick hit the back of the net, the Ghanaian bench erupted in jubilation. Players wept, danced, and sank to their knees. They had done it, not just for their university, but for a nation long-starved of footballing glory on the global stage.

With this win, UDS becomes the first Ghanaian team to reach the final of an international football tournament since the Black Stars played in the Africa Cup of Nations final a decade ago in 2015. Even more significantly, they are the first Ghanaian side to qualify for the final of a global football competition since the Andre Ayew-led Black Satellites won the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt.

The road does not get any easier from here. On Sunday, September 28, 2025, UDS will face the formidable Brazilian team from Paulista University, the defending champions. A victory there would not only complete the fairytale but engrave UDS’s name alongside giants in the world of university football.

But regardless of Sunday’s outcome, Friday night in Dalian will be remembered forever: a night when history was made, and a night when Ghanaian football dared to dream again.

Source: Graphic