The University for Development Studies (UDS) football team, Ghana’s representatives at next month’s Universities World Cup in China, continued their preparation with a spirited performance against Real Tamale United (RTU) in a friendly encounter played in Tamale.

Despite approaching the game cautiously to avoid injuries ahead of the global tournament, the UDS lads matched the Division One League giants boot for boot and, on several occasions, outshone them with fluid attacking play and composure on the ball.

The match started on a promising note for UDS, who dominated possession and created more scoring opportunities. However, a clumsy tackle by goalkeeper Emmanuel Edo on an onrushing RTU attacker gifted the home side a penalty, which they converted to take the lead. But for that incident, the first half would have ended with UDS clearly in charge.

Early in the second half, the UDS boys struck back in style. A swift one-two between striker Dandawa and captain Asigri Mohammed opened up the RTU defence, with Mohammed sending in an inviting in-swinger.

Forward-running Abdul Ganiu rose to the occasion, coolly heading the ball into the net to restore parity.
RTU, however, regrouped and capitalised on pressure from the right wing to slot home a second goal midway through the half. Going down for the second time only seemed to ignite the UDS boys, who then seized control of the match with relentless pressure.

In the 75th minute, Dandawa came close to equalising again, but his powerful strike from inside the penalty box was tipped away by RTU’s substitute goalkeeper, who had been brought on after an injury to their first-choice shot-stopper. Minutes later, RTU’s resistance crumbled. Captain Mohammed Asigri delivered a curling cross from a corner kick that deceived the substitute goalkeeper and found its way directly into the net, leveling the score at 2-2.

Speaking after the game, Coach Ibrahim Shaibu Tanko, who also serves as Director of Sports at UDS, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance.

“Even though we could have won the match, I am happy with the level of coordination we displayed. The boys kept their shape, linked up well, and showed confidence against a strong RTU side,” he told UDS Media.

He added that the technical team would now shift focus towards improving finishing in front of goal. “We created many chances today, but our conversion rate needs to improve. That will be our priority as we fine-tune preparations. We also made sure to play with caution so that none of the players pick up injuries ahead of the tournament in China.”

The spirited display against RTU adds to a series of trial matches UDS has played against top Ghanaian sides, as the team sharpens its readiness to hoist the flag of Ghana at the prestigious Universities World Cup.