The University for Development Studies (UDS) has written its name into the record books as the first Ghanaian institution — and the first from Africa — to qualify for the final of the FISU World University Football Tournament in Dalian, China.

The Tamale-based side triumphed in dramatic fashion on Wednesday, defeating Spain’s Granada University 5–4 on penalties after a fiercely contested match ended goalless in regulation time.

Both teams battled intensely, creating several half chances, but neither could find the breakthrough. With the game decided from the spot, UDS kept their cool, converting four of their five kicks to clinch the historic victory.

The result not only sends UDS into the competition’s grand finale but also establishes them as trailblazers for African university football on the global stage.

The squad will now shift focus to the championship decider, aiming to crown their fairytale run with silverware.