Ten-Man UDS Holds Defending Champions to 1-1 Draw to Top Group C

A 1-1 draw that felt like victory as UDS of Ghana stuns Paulista University of Brazil in ‘final before the final’ showdown

In a fiercely contested match that captivated over tens of roaring spectators, the University for Development Studies (UDS), Ghana, came from a goal down in stoppage time to hold defending champions Paulista University of Brazil to a thrilling 1-1 draw, securing top spot in Group C and booking a quarterfinal clash with the runners-up of Group D.

Many among the packed crowd described it as “the final before the final”. And it wasn’t hard to see why. This wasn’t just a clash between two universities; it was a battle between two rival footballing nations at the youth level, each with pride, passion, and pedigree on the line.

From the first whistle, it was evident UDS came with intent. The Ghanaians dictated the tempo, dominating possession and showing remarkable discipline and flair despite the aura of their more decorated opponents.

In just the 2nd minute, Gerald Akuoku set the tone with a long-range effort that skimmed past the post. By the 7th minute, central Defender, Mohammed Ibrahim followed up with another attempt from distance, but it too failed to hit the target.

Brazil responded in the 14th minute with a well-placed free-kick, but the resulting header went just over the bar. UDS midfielder Augustine Frimpong then fired wide in the 16th, before goalkeeper Emmanuel Edo pulled off a crucial save in the 23rd minute, keeping the game level.

Tempers flared shortly after as UDS midfielder Hamza Abukari was booked in the 25th minute for a tough tackle from behind, the match’s first yellow.

UDS nearly took the lead in the 27th minute, as Alhassan Zakaria, broke through, only for the alert Paulista goalkeeper to snatch the ball from his feet.

The second half saw UDS push harder. Alhassan Zakaria, and Jorge Renchi all came close in a five-minute attacking blitz, but Brazil’s shot-stopper stood firm.

Then came a flashpoint: in the 54th minute, Ezedeen Alhassan attempted an ambitious scissor kick from a long throw-in. The referee saw it as dangerous play and showed him a straight red card, sparking outrage from the Ghanaian fans and confusion on the pitch.

Down to ten men, UDS could have folded. Instead, they turned up the intensity.

In the 59th minute, Jorge Renchi nearly broke the deadlock with a thunderous long-range effort that missed by inches. Five minutes later, Brazil had a rare chance as their No. 18 fired from outside the box, narrowly missing the target.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, UDS continued to dominate. In the 71st minute, Alhassan Zakaria connected beautifully with a cross from Dandawa Alhassan, but the Brazilian keeper again denied him with a low save.

Coach Tanko Ibrahim made a tactical switch in the 80th, bringing on Ibrahim Saani for Augustine Frimpong to add fresh legs in midfield. Just a minute later, Alhassan Zakaria was at it again, finding space in the box, only to see his shot blocked by the keeper.

Just when it seemed the game would end goalless, Paulista struck. A 90th-minute corner was met with a towering header that finally beat Edo, sending the Brazilian bench into jubilation.

But UDS weren’t done.

Straight from the restart, the ball fell to Jonas, who took a touch, steadied himself, and fired a 92nd-minute rocket from outside the box. The shot flew past the Brazilian goalkeeper, sending the stadium into a frenzy as the scoreboard read:
“UDS 1 – 1 Paulista University”

The final whistle blew moments later, with the UDS bench erupting in celebration. A draw, yes, but a statement made. Ghana’s UDS had outplayed, outclassed, and nearly outscored the reigning champions with a man down.

With the result, UDS finish top of Group C and will face the runners-up of Group D in the quarterfinals, a tie many now expect them to win.

As fans filed out of the stadium, one thing was clear: this wasn’t just a football match. It was a symbolic clash between two nations whose footballing legacies continue to intertwine on the world stage.

Story by
Abdul Hayi Moomen
(UDS Media)