Tamale, Northern Region– September 19, 2025
The University for Development Studies (UDS) football team has written a new chapter in African university sports history, becoming the first African university to qualify for the quarterfinals of the World Universities Football Tournament.
The Tamale-based university side stunned Spain’s Ramon Llull University with an emphatic 4–1 victory in their second Group C game on Thursday, September 18, at the FISU World University Football Championship in Dalian, China.
UDS opened their campaign with a hard-fought 2–1 win over the University of Sharjah (UAE), thanks to goals from Ezideen Alhassan and Fawzan Dandawa. That result had already sent a strong message that the Ghanaians were not in China to make up the numbers.
Against Ramon Llull, UDS turned on the style. Midfielder Alhassan Zakaria bagged a brace, while Ezideen and Ibrahim Saani also found the net in a commanding performance that thrilled the crowd and lifted Ghana’s flag high.
“This is not just a win for UDS. It’s a win for Ghana, for Africa, and for every young player dreaming of showing their talent on the world stage,” said Head Coach Ibrahim Tanko after the game.
Team captain Mohammed Asigri echoed his coach’s sentiments: “We respect every opponent but fear no one. We are focused, and our dream is to go all the way.”
Drawn in a tough group that included defending champions Paulista University of Brazil, UDS have so far defied expectations with their disciplined play, tactical awareness, and attacking flair. Their two straight victories now put them top of Group C, ahead of Brazil, Spain, and the UAE.
The feat marks the first time an African side has advanced to the knockout stages of the Universities World Cup, a milestone that has sparked celebrations among Ghanaian and African football fans.
UDS will now look ahead to the quarterfinals with confidence, as they continue their quest to make history in Dalian.
