The semi-final clash of the ongoing Ghana University Sports Association (GUSA) Games, held at the iconic Robert Mensah Stadium in Cape Coast, saw the University for Development Studies (UDS) football team bow out of the competition after a hard-fought 0-1 loss to the hosts, the University of Cape Coast (UCC). The match, described by spectators as "the final before the final," delivered a spectacle worthy of premier league standards.

From the first whistle, both teams displayed exceptional tactical discipline and athletic prowess, thrilling the packed stadium with end-to-end action. UCC relied on their trademark short, intricate passing game to control possession, while the UDS lads countered with their signature speed and long passes to exploit gaps in the UCC defense. Both approaches kept the respective goalkeepers busy, with UDS’ Emmanuel Edo and UCC’ shot-stopper making crucial saves throughout the game.

The first real chance of the match fell to UDS’ Dandawa in the dying moments of the first half. Breaking through UCC’ defensive line, Dandawa had a golden opportunity to lob the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper but squandered the chance, much to the frustration of the traveling UDS supporters. The first half ended in a stalemate, with both teams evenly matched.

After the break, UDS continued to probe for the opener, creating two clear-cut chances. However, their forwards failed to capitalize, leaving the game on a knife’s edge. The breakthrough finally came in the 60th minute, but it was the UCC lads who seized the moment. A corner kick into the UDS penalty area was mishandled by goalkeeper Emmanuel Edo, and the loose ball fell kindly to a UCC striker, who calmly slotted it into the unguarded net.

Trailing by a goal, UDS intensified their efforts, dominating possession and creating opportunities to equalize. Dandawa’s effort in the 75th minute went agonizingly wide, while team captain Mohammed Asigri saw his powerful shot saved in the 82nd minute. Despite their relentless pressure, the UDS team couldn’t find the back of the net.

UCC, content to defend their lead, adopted a counterattacking strategy for the remainder of the game. Goalkeeper Emmanuel Edo redeemed himself with two outstanding saves to deny UCC from extending their lead. 

The final whistle brought an end to a pulsating encounter, leaving fans from both sides in awe of the high-quality football on display.

Spectators lauded the match as a showcase of university sports at its finest, with some describing it as a game fit for the premier league. While the UDS football team’s campaign ended in heartbreak, their gallant performance throughout the tournament earned them admiration and respect. 

UCC, now through to the final, will look to build on their home advantage as they chase the coveted GUSA trophy.

Despite the loss, the UDS team walked off the pitch with their heads held high, having demonstrated skill, determination, and the true spirit of competition.

Story by:
Abdul-Hayi Moomen and Abdul Ganiyu Hussein