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Published: September 16, 2026

Published at 06:09pm

By Saibu Terry

The University for Development Studies (UDS) have successfully defended their African University Football Championship title after defeating Julius Nyerere University of Guinea 2–1 in a thrilling final of the 12th All-Africa University Games in Cairo, Egypt.

UDS produced a determined performance to secure back-to-back continental glory, with the final going beyond regulation time after both sides battled to a 1–1 draw.

Abdul Raphui broke the deadlock 15 minutes into the second half, putting UDS in front and giving the Ghanaian side a crucial advantage.

Julius Nyerere University, however, responded strongly and restored parity in the 70th minute, forcing the contest into extra time as neither side could find a winner in regulation.

With the championship hanging in the balance, UDS produced the decisive moment five minutes into the second half of extra time.

Ezedeen Alhassan stepped up to deliver a superb free-kick that found the back of the net, sending the UDS camp into celebration and securing a dramatic 2–1 victory.

The triumph marks another significant milestone in the history of UDS football and makes the institution the first university to win the African University Football Championship in consecutive editions.

The victory also underlines UDS’s remarkable dominance on the university football scene, with the institution now simultaneously holding the World, African and West African University Football Championship titles.

The achievement further strengthens UDS’s reputation as a leading force in university football and represents a major moment for Ghanaian university sport on the international stage.