When the final whistle pierced the cool night air in faraway Dalian, China, the scoreboard told a story that will be etched forever in Ghana’s sporting history: University for Development Studies (UDS) 2, Paulista University of Brazil 1, after extra time. It was more than a victory; it was an African statement on the world stage.

Back home, the wave of jubilation swept swiftly from campus hostels and Tamale streets into the highest offices of state. The first powerful voice to break the silence of disbelief came from the Vice President of Ghana, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang. Her message carried the pride of a mother and the authority of a leader:

“Congratulations to UDS, the new World Champions. You have lifted Ghana and Africa high, proving that with discipline and determination, nothing is beyond our reach. The whole nation is proud of you.”

Her words captured the mood of a country united in joy.

Soon after, the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, added his own applause: “Congratulations on your amazing victory! You played like champions. Proud of you.” His deputy, Clement Apaak, reinforced the sentiment, saluting UDS for proving that Ghanaian students can stand tall among the world’s best.

The nation’s Sports and Recreation Minister, Kofi Adams, was visibly elated. Brimming with excitement, he singled out Head Coach Tanko: “You promised and you have delivered. You represented Ghana and Africa well. Congratulations, Congratulations, Congratulations.”

From beyond government benches came an outpouring of admiration. Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia described it as a “truly historic feat that has brought pride to Ghana and Africa.” 

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, offered a poignant perspective, tying the triumph to Ghana’s founding father:

“This is a big gift to Dr. Kwame Nkrumah in his birthday month. His words echo timelessly, that the African is capable. UDS has honoured those words.” He noted with pride that Ghana’s two world football titles had both been won under African coaches.

Across the political spectrum and society at large, messages poured in. Prof. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, Deputy Minister of Health, captured the emotions in one breath: “Wow! What a game.” 

Political leader Bernard Mornah hailed the “2-1 victory that secured the top prize in China,” while Presidential Aide Joyce Bawah Mogtari simply wrote: “Awesome.”

Beyond individual leaders, organizations also joined the chorus of celebration. The Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA), UDS Branch, and the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) expressed immense pride in the victory, calling it a triumph for the entire Ghanaian academic community.

In the face of this overwhelming show of love and support, the University for Development Studies expressed its deep gratitude: “This victory belongs not only to UDS but to Ghana and Africa. We are thankful for the kind words, encouragement, and solidarity shown by our leaders, organizations, and citizens.”

From Dalian to Tamale, Accra to Wa, the message was the same: UDS had achieved the unimaginable, writing their name boldly into football folklore and lifting Ghana’s flag onto the summit of global university football.

Story by Abdul-Hayi Moomen 
(UDS Media)