The University for Development Studies (UDS) emerged champions of the 2025 World University Games football tournament after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over defending champions Paulista University of Brazil.

The final, played before nearly 23,000 fans, had UDS trailing within the opening 30 seconds when Gabriel Viera capitalised on a defensive lapse and cleverly lobbed goalkeeper Emmanuel Edo to give Paulista an early lead.

Despite the setback, Ibrahim Tanko’s side quickly took control of the game. UDS dominated possession and created several openings but the final finishing led them down.

The Ghanaians, however, poured more bodies forward and their persistence was finally rewarded in stoppage time when Frimpong dribbled past Silva, forcing a save that fell kindly to captain Asigre Sulemana. He made no mistake from close range in the 93rd minute, sending the contest into extra time.

UDS continued to press in the additional period, but Silva produced a string of saves to keep his side in contention. But in the 121st minute, the pressure told.

From a corner taken by Ezedeen Alhassan, Silva failed to deal with a difficult delivery, and the ball slipped through his grasp into the net.

The dramatic late goal sparked wild celebrations from the UDS bench led by Tanko.

Paulista, stunned by the turnaround, lost possession immediately after the restart, and the referee’s final whistle a few seconds crowned UDS as champions.

The victory dethroned Paulista University, winners of the tournament two years ago.