The football team from the University for Development Studies (UDS) delivered a stunning upset in the opening football match of the 11th Federation of African University Sports (FASU) Games, edging out co-hosts, the University of Lagos (UNILAG), with a thrilling 1-0 victory.

The highly anticipated match, which kicked off the football competition of the FASU Games, was an intense affair from the opening whistle, with both teams displaying exceptional skill and determination. The atmosphere at the UNILAG Sports Complex was electric as the hosts came out with a clear intent to dominate, but UDS matched their energy, leading to an action-packed, end-to-end game.

For much of the match, it was a battle of defenses, with both teams coming close but failing to find the back of the net. UDS, though regarded as underdogs, maintained a solid defensive line, frustrating the UNILAG forwards with disciplined positioning and well-timed tackles.

As the game wore on, it seemed destined to end in a draw, with both sets of supporters resigned to a share of the spoils. However, in the dying embers of the match, UDS forward George Yirenkyi produced a moment of magic. With just minutes remaining on the clock, Yirenkyi received the ball outside the box, took a touch to compose himself, and unleashed a beautiful shot that soared past the UNILAG goalkeeper and into the top corner of the net.

The goal sent the UDS bench and their traveling supporters into wild celebrations, while the UNILAG players and fans were left in stunned silence. Despite a desperate final push from the hosts, UDS held on to their slim advantage until the final whistle.

This win gives UDS an excellent start in the football competition, and they will carry this momentum into their next match, where they face Julius Nyerere University. Meanwhile, UNILAG will look to bounce back and regroup as they aim to progress in front of their home crowd.

Yirenkyi’s late goal will be remembered as one of the highlights of the tournament’s opening day, and UDS has now firmly placed themselves as a team to watch in this year’s competition.

The victory sets an exciting tone for the rest of the FASU Games, with more thrilling matchups expected in the days to come.

Story by:
Abdul Hayi Moomen
(UDS Media)