The University for Development Studies (UDS) of Ghana have been knocked out of the 15th West Africa University Games (WAUG) football competition after hosts Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) of Nigeria edged them 4–3 on penalties in a dramatic semi-final clash in Ile-Ife.
The defeat ends UDS’s hopes of defending the football title they won previously, despite a determined performance against a well-organised OAU side backed by a passionate home crowd.
The first semi-final lived up to its billing, with both teams producing an intense contest characterised by fierce tackles, tactical discipline, end-to-end action and sustained attacking pressure.
OAU started strongly, looking to use the support of the home crowd to put UDS under pressure.
But the Ghanaian champions remained composed and disciplined, absorbing the pressure and responding with attacks of their own.
UDS, carrying the reputation of being both African and World University Football Champions, matched the hosts throughout the encounter and refused to be intimidated by the occasion.
Chances were created at both ends, but resolute defending from both sides ensured that neither team could find the breakthrough.
The intensity increased as the game wore on, with every challenge fiercely contested and every attacking move greeted with loud reactions from the stands.
However, after 90 minutes of goalless action, the two sides could not be separated and the semi-final had to be decided from the penalty spot.
OAU eventually held their nerve to win the shootout 4–3, sparking wild celebrations among the home supporters and sending the Nigerian side into the final.
For UDS, the defeat marks a painful end to their title defence after another courageous display on the international university football stage.
Although they will not return to the final, the Ghanaian side once again demonstrated the quality and fighting spirit that has established UDS as one of the leading forces in university football in Africa.
For OAU, the victory is a major boost to their hopes of winning the football title on home soil.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
