Story by: Abdul-Hayi Moomen
In a pulsating and history-making encounter at the Universities World Football Tournament in Dalian, China, the University for Development Studies (UDS) of Ghana delivered a footballing spectacle to remember, outclassing Spain’s Ramon Llull University 4-1 to become the first African university to qualify for the quarterfinals in the tournament’s history.
From the first whistle, it was clear that Group C’s second fixture would be an electric showdown. Both sides came out with intensity, trading attacks and counterattacks in an exhilarating end-to-end contest that had the modest crowd on the edge of their seats.
But it was the UDS lads, clad in their rather unfamiliar all white kits and brimming with belief, who broke the deadlock after just 14 minutes. A slick passing exchange inside the 18-yard box saw right wing-back Renchi thread a precision ball to Alhassan Zakaria, who was making his tournament debut. The forward made no mistake, coolly slotting a left-footed effort from six yards past the Spanish goalkeeper to give UDS a deserved 1-0 lead.
Zakaria’s opener set the tone for a Ghanaian side that looked confident, composed, and tactically disciplined. The attacking trio of Ezideen, Dandawa, and Alhassan were a constant menace, weaving intricate moves and forcing the Spanish backline into hurried clearances. Behind them, the midfield generals, captain Mohammed Asigri, and Frimpong, dictated play with poise and power, expertly supported by the marauding wing-backs, Gerald on the left and Renchi on the right.
Defensively, UDS looked every bit as impressive. The central defensive wall of Ibrahim, Hamza, and Jonas stood tall and resolute, shielding goalkeeper Emmanuel Edo, who was alert and commanding in his area.
In the 30th minute, Ramon Llull had their first real sniff at goal, but Edo reacted sharply to parry a venomous strike from the Spanish number 6. Just a minute later, UDS captain Asigri saw his curling shot sail agonisingly wide, drawing gasps from the little crowd.
Tensions flared slightly in the 37th minute when left wing-back Gerald received a yellow card for a tough challenge on the ever-dangerous Spanish number 12, who had been causing problems on the right flank.
On the stroke of halftime, Edo once again came to the rescue, diving low to block a close-range effort. But the resultant corner proved costly. A towering Spanish attacker rose highest to head home the equalizer, making it 1-1 and silencing the African cheers, albeit briefly.
Whatever Coach Ibrahim Tanko told his players during the break worked instantly. Just two minutes after the restart, UDS reclaimed their lead in stunning fashion.
Fawzan Dandawa danced through two defenders before laying the ball off for Ezideen, who calmly side-footed into the bottom corner, his second goal of the tournament and a moment of magic that put UDS back in command at 2-1.
Inspired by their lead, UDS began to play the kind of football that once defined Ghanaian national teams, a rhythm of short, crisp, one-touch passes interlaced with deft flicks, backheels, and fluid movement. In the 59th minute, it nearly paid off again as Ezideen came inches away from a brace, his curling effort grazing just wide. Two minutes later, he rattled the crossbar with a thunderous strike that had the Spanish keeper rooted to the spot.
By now, the Spanish defense was fraying under pressure. In the 64th minute, Ezideen, now oozing with confidence, turned provider with a perfectly weighted pass to Dandawa, whose fierce shot rippled the side netting.
Spain had a free-kick opportunity in the 66th minute, but Edo, ever-reliable, collected it calmly to snuff out the danger.
In the 74th minute, substitute Ibrahim Salifu slipped a delightful through ball into the path of Ezideen, who squared unselfishly for Alhassan Zakaria to tap in his second goal of the match and UDS’ third, triggering wild celebrations from the touchline and stands.
Among those on their feet were the UDS delegation: Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Elliot Haruna Alhassan; Registrar, Mr. Nurudeen Issah Abubakar; Director of Finance, Dr. Mohammed Hardi Shaibu; and Sports Advisory Committee members Prof. Gideon Helegbe and Mr. Yussif Abdulai. They were joined by a small but vocal contingent of African students in China, including members of the Nigerian female squad, all united in jubilation.
But UDS wasn’t done yet.
Just four minutes later, in the 78th, it was time for substitute Ibrahim Saani to write his name into the record books. Latching onto a visionary pass from Dandawa, who had been electric on the right flank, Saani calmly slotted the ball past the keeper for UDS’ fourth goal, capping off a move that began with five consecutive one-touch passes in midfield.
From that point, UDS took full control of the match, displaying maturity and game management that belied their debut status on the global stage. Head coach Ibrahim Tanko introduced fresh legs in the 88th minute, with Basit and Mohammed Cho replacing the tireless Ezideen and the booked Gerald.
In the second minute of stoppage time, Cho almost made it five with a powerful strike from close range, only to be denied by a sprawling save from the Spanish goalkeeper.
As the final whistle blew, the scoreline read UDS 4 – 1 Ramon Llull University, and history was made. With two wins from two matches, the University for Development Studies became the first African university to ever qualify for the quarterfinals of the Universities World Football Tournament.
Coach Ibrahim Tanko hailed his team’s effort post-match, saying: “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. We played with heart, unity, and pride.”
UDS now await the final group fixture to determine their quarterfinal opponents. But whatever happens next, this memorable day in Dalian will forever be etched in African football folklore.
