UDS vs Paulista University: A Final for the Ages at the FISU World Cup
- The University for Development Studies (UDS) has written a thrilling chapter in its footballing history, securing a spot in the grand final of the Dalian 2025 FISU University World Cup Football.
- After a nail-biting semi-final against Spain’s University of Granada, the Ghanaian side emerged victorious in a dramatic penalty shootout, setting the stage for a showdown with defending champions Paulista University of Brazil this Sunday.
The Road to Glory: UDS’s Journey to the Final
UDS’s campaign has been nothing short of inspiring. Representing Ghana and the African continent with pride, the team has battled through intense group stages and knockout rounds, showcasing grit, discipline, and tactical brilliance. Their semi-final clash was a tactical stalemate, ending 0-0 after 90 minutes. But when it came down to penalties, UDS held their nerve, edging Granada 5-4 in a tense shootout watched by thousands around the globe on FISU.tv.
Midfielder Ibrahim Salifu, who played a crucial role in calming the game’s tempo, shared his thoughts:
“We are from a very, very far place and hungry for success. We needed to be focused and determined. That is what made everything possible. Ghana, we are bringing the trophy home. Watch out — we are bringing the trophy home. UDS! UDS! UDS!”
Group Stage (Group C)
- 🏆 UDS 2–1 University of Sharjah (UAE)
Goals: Ezideen Alhassan (68’), Fawzan Dandawa (80’)
A strong second-half performance sealed a thrilling opening win.1 - 🏆 UDS 4–1 Ramon Llull University (Spain)
A commanding display that confirmed UDS’s attacking prowess.2 - 🤝 UDS 1–1 Paulista University (Brazil)
A tense draw against the defending champions, showing UDS could match the best.2
Group C Final Standings:
- UDS: 7 points (2W, 1D, 0L) | Goals: 7 scored, 3 conceded
- Paulista University: 7 points (2W, 1D, 0L) | Goals: 3 scored, 1 conceded3
Quarter-Final
- 🏆 UDS 5–2 Kyungil University (South Korea)
Hat-trick hero: Augustine Frimpong (6’, 52’, 72’)
Alhassan Zakaria added a brace (13’, 26’)
A statement win that sent shockwaves through the tournament.2
Semi-Final
- 🏆 UDS 0–0 University of Granada (Spain) (UDS wins 5–4 on penalties)
Goalkeeper Emmanuel Edo was the hero, saving two penalties in a dramatic shootout.4
The Final Test: Paulista University Awaits
UDS now faces a formidable opponent in Paulista University, who are no strangers to the big stage. The Brazilians are the reigning champions, having lifted the trophy in Jinjiang, and they booked their place in the final after a thrilling 3-3 draw against Morocco’s Chouaib Doukkali University, eventually winning 5-3 on penalties.
Paulista’s goalkeeper and standout performer Diego Rodrigues Silva emphasized the mental strength needed at this level:
“Sometimes, it is not your technical ability that helps you to win: the mental side matters a lot too. We have to stay focused so, God willing, in 90 minutes we could be crowned champions!”
The Final Showdown: Sunday, September 28, 2025
📍 Venue: Suoywan Main Stadium, Dalian
🕒 Kick-off: 15:30 China Time | 07:30 GMT
📺 Watch Live: FISU.tv
This final is a clash of continents — Africa vs South America, UDS vs Paulista, underdogs vs champions. With UDS scoring 17 goals and conceding just 7 across five matches, and Paulista boasting a solid defense and tournament pedigree, the stage is set for an unforgettable finale.
UDS to the World. Ghana to the World. Let’s Bring It Home.
