PRESEC-Legon defeats defending champions Mfantsipim to reach NSMQ semi-finals

Eight-time champions Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC-Legon) have advanced to the semi-finals of the 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) after defeating defending champions Mfantsipim School and Presby SHS, Bompata, in a thrilling quarter-final contest.

The contest carried added significance for PRESEC-Legon and Mfantsipim, who met at the semi-final stage in 2024, when Mfantsipim ended PRESEC’s title hopes.

This time, PRESEC dominated the contest from the opening round, finishing Round One with 23 points, ahead of Mfantsipim’s 19 and Bompata’s 13.

The eight-time champions extended their lead in Round Two with 29 points, while Mfantsipim moved to 22 points and Bompata remained on 11.

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By the end of Round Three, PRESEC had increased their tally to 37 points. Mfantsipim stayed on 22 points, with Bompata also on 11.

PRESEC maintained their advantage in Round Four, reaching 53 points. Mfantsipim had 32 points, while Bompata moved to 21.

Mfantsipim mounted a late challenge in the final round, finishing on 39 points, while Bompata ended with 24 points. PRESEC, however, held on to finish with 56 points and secure the semi-final ticket.

The result ends Mfantsipim School’s defence of their title and their bid to win an unprecedented third consecutive NSMQ championship, which would also have marked their 150th anniversary celebration.

PRESEC-Legon now move into the semi-finals with their pursuit of a record ninth NSMQ title still alive.

Presby SHS, Bompata, meanwhile, exit the competition after an impressive run that saw them reach the quarter-finals.

The 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz is produced by Primetime Limited and sponsored by the Ghana Education Service, with support from GOIL PLC, Prudential Life Insurance Ghana, Pepsodent, Cowbell, Trustur AI and Jupay Money Transfer.

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