President John Dramani Mahama has presented a GHC500,000 cash reward to the University for Development Studies (UDS) following their remarkable victory at the FISU World University Football Tournament in China.
The feat, the first in the competition’s history for any African university, came after UDS’ dramatic 2-1 victory over Brazil’s Paulista University in the final on Sunday, September 28, 2025.
The Ghanaian side went down within the first minute of the game and had to dig deep after Gabriel Viera stunned them with a goal in the opening 30 seconds of the match.
However, with determination, the Ghanaian students from UDS refused to bow out, with captain Mohammed Sulemana striking late in injury time to level the score.
The team saw a second goal in the extra time when the Ghanaian side scored directly from a corner kick which deflected into the net from Paulista University’s goalkeeper.
The team, together with the Vice Chancellor of the University, paid a courtesy call on the President at the Jubilee House today, Tuesday, October 7, 2025, where they presented the trophy.
President Mahama, addressing the team said their story from “Tamale to the world stage” was only made possible through discipline and excellence.
“This perfectly embodies the spirit of the reset agenda. Ghana rising through discipline, opportunity and excellence,” he stated.
He highlighted the impact of the feat to the nation, while urging them to inspire others to aspire for greater heights.
“You brought glory to Ghana and renewed the faith in the power of young people, education, and sport to transform lives. Carry this your victory with humility, let it inspire others to dream boldly and work hard”
President Mahama congratulated Prof. Seidu Al-hassan, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, the academic and management teams, the UDS community and all who supported the team in the journey.
