UDS become the first African country to win the World University Games
The University for Development Studies (UDS) have written history in golden ink, becoming the first African university to win the World University Football Championship after a thrilling 2-1 extra-time victory over Brazil’s University of Paulista (UNIP) in Dalian, China, on Sunday, September 28, 2025.
The game began with a setback for the Ghanaians, as Paulista struck within the first 10 minutes to take the lead against the run of play. But UDS quickly recovered their rhythm, dictating the tempo and showing the athleticism, energy, and flair that had carried them all the way to the final.
For long spells, it was UDS pressing forward and forcing Paulista into mistakes, though the Brazilians occasionally threatened with their sharp counterattacks. Time ticked away, and with the final whistle looming, it looked as though Ghana’s dream might fall short.
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But in the 92nd minute, UDS found their breakthrough, a dramatic equaliser that sent their bench into wild celebrations and dragged the contest into extra time.
The decisive moment came late in extra time. After Paulista’s goalkeeper produced a stunning save to keep the score level, UDS won a corner.
From it came an audacious piece of history: the ball was curled directly into the net from the flag, an “Olimpico” goal that sealed the title.
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