UDS Ghana Edge UNILAG 1-0 as Marines Open FASU 2024 on Losing Note

By Adegboyega Adeleye

Rentchi George’s last-minute strike was the decider in Sunday’s enthralling opening fixture of the 11th All African University Games (FASU 2024) as the University for Development Studies (UDS), Ghana, stunned hosts, University of Lagos (UNILAG) to a 1-0 loss.

The eventful match, which opened Matchday 1 in Group B, had been evenly balanced with a host of goal-scoring chances for both teams not utilized. A goalless draw was inevitable until George’s superb shot flew past Marines‘ goalkeeper Michael Valour.
In what turned out to be a disappointing outing for the Akokites, they missed a chance to take the lead early in the first half when Doyin Omotosho’s penalty kick was comfortably saved by UDS’ goalkeeper, Emmanuel. This immediately placed the Marines under immense pressure to find a winner amidst resounding cheers from the home fans.
The Ghanaians eventually benefited from a counter-attacking run in the final minute as Rentchi George’s winner broke the hearts of the passionate home fans who had turned out in their numbers to cheer the Marines to victory.

The 2022 NUGA Semi-finalists, UNILAG, now need to register at least a win and avoid losses in the remaining three games to boost their chances of qualifying for the next tournament round.
For UDS Ghana, the victory earned them their first three points of the tournament, placing them second in Group B behind Nkumba University, Uganda, who defeated the University of Jos 2-0 in the second group fixture.

Other updates

In Group A, Lagos State University (LASU) played out a 1-1 draw with Kenyatta University, Kenya, with goals from Ayeni Elijah and Maxwell Odielo, respectively.

Matchday 2 Fixtures

The University of Lagos will hope for redemption when they face Group B leaders, Nkumba University, in their next match on Monday.

Similarly, in Group A, Kenyatta University will battle the University of Ghana, while LASU will slug it out against FUOYE.