By Kwame Bediako
Former champions University of Education, Winneba have emerged winners of the 9th Mini GUSA Games after edging rivals University of Cape Coast 1–0 in a tense football final at UPSA Park. The victory secured another memorable triumph for UEW after a hard-fought contest between two of Ghana’s top university sports sides.
Universities Battle Across Multiple Sporting Disciplines
The competition, staged from May 5 to May 15, 2026, featured 16 tertiary institutions from across Ghana competing in football, athletics, volleyball, basketball 3×3, tennis, table tennis, and badminton. Organisers hosted the event under the theme “Integrating University Sports with Academic Professionalism,” highlighting the balance between sports excellence and academic development.
Controversial Penalty Gives UEW First-Half Advantage
UEW grabbed the decisive goal moments before halftime after converting a controversial penalty decision. UCC had looked the sharper side in the opening stages and created several promising chances, but their efforts were repeatedly denied by an outstanding display from the UEW goalkeeper, who kept the score level during key moments of the game.
UCC Push Forward But UEW Hold Firm
After the break, UCC intensified their attack in search of an equaliser and dominated large spells of possession. However, UEW remained organised defensively and showed resilience under pressure, frustrating their opponents until the final whistle. The narrow victory sparked wild celebrations among UEW players and supporters after securing the championship crown.
UCC Finish Top Of Overall Medal Table
Although they fell short in the football final, UCC ended the competition as the best-performing institution overall on the medal table. The Cape Coast-based university amassed 21 gold, 18 silver, and 11 bronze medals across all disciplines. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology finished second overall with 15 gold medals, underlining another strong showing at the games.
