Ile-Ife:The University for Development Studies (UDS) has been eliminated from the West Africa University Games (WAUG) football competition after a tense semi-final match against hosts Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) concluded with a 4-3 penalty shootout loss in Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
According to Ghana Web, the match ended in a goalless draw after 90 minutes, leading to a penalty shootout where OAU secured their place in the final by successfully converting four penalties compared to UDS's three.
The semi-final clash was anticipated as a competitive encounter between two top university football teams in the region. UDS, the Ghanaian champions and defending titleholders, managed to hold off the hosts throughout the regular time despite strong support from the home crowd and a determined effort by OAU to take control of the game early on.
Both teams displayed resilience, with UDS showing strong defensive capabilities and launching counter-attacks that kept OAU on their toes. The match saw intense exchanges with both goalkeepers remaining vigilant as they sought a winning goal.
Ultimately, the stalemate led to a penalty shootout, marking the end of UDS's hopes of retaining their WAUG title. The defeat is a significant setback for UDS, who entered the competition with a strong reputation as African and World University Football Champions.
Meanwhile, OAU's victory has bolstered their chances of winning the football title on their home ground, celebrated fervently by their supporters following the dramatic conclusion of the match.