UDS makes history at Universities World Football Tournament

Dalian, China – 20 September 2025 – The University for Development Studies (UDS) has become the first African university to reach the quarterfinals of the Universities World Football Tournament after a 4–1 victory over Ramon Llull University of Spain.

UDS opened the scoring in the 14th minute through Alhassan Zakaria, before Spain equalised just before halftime. Goals from Ezideen, Zakaria (second), and substitute Ibrahim Saani sealed the emphatic win.

Head coach Ibrahim Tanko praised his players’ resilience, calling the victory a triumph not only for UDS but for Ghana and Africa. The team has won its opening two matches and now awaits its final group fixture to determine its quarterfinal opponents.

The historic win sparked celebrations among UDS supporters and African students, marking a landmark moment for African university football.