PRESEC-Legon Claims Revenge Over Mfantsipim, Advances to NSMQ 2026 Semi-Finals

In a compelling quarter-final showdown that pitted unfinished business against championship ambitions, PRESEC-Legon has booked a semi-final berth at the 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz after defeating defending champions Mfantsipim School and Presby SHS, Bompata. The victory carries particular significance for the eight-time champions, who had fallen to Mfantsipim in the 2024 semi-finals just two years prior.

The contest was laden with historical weight. PRESEC-Legon came to the stage hunting their ninth NSMQ title, whilst Mfantsipim were pursuing an unprecedented third consecutive championship that would have coincided with their 150th anniversary celebrations. Presby SHS, Bompata emerged as the third contender, riding an impressive run through this year's competition.

A Commanding Performance From Start to Finish

From the opening bell, PRESEC established their dominance. The Legon-based school concluded Round One with 23 points, a four-point advantage over Mfantsipim's 19. Presby Bompata trailed on 13 points. That advantage only widened as the rounds progressed.

PRESEC stretched their lead to 29 points in Round Two, whilst Mfantsipim managed just 22. By Round Three, the eight-time champions had opened a commanding 15-point gap at 37 points to Mfantsipim's 22. Round Four proved decisive: PRESEC surged to 53 points, opening a 21-point chasm over the defending champions, who reached 32 points.

Though Mfantsipim mounted a spirited comeback in the final round, scoring 39 points to PRESEC's 56, it proved insufficient to overturn the deficit. PRESEC's steady performance across all five rounds ultimately proved the difference, securing their passage to the semi-finals with a final tally of 56 points.

Why This Victory Matters for Ghana's Academic Competition

The NSMQ stands as one of Ghana's most prestigious annual academic competitions, commanding nationwide attention and serving as a launchpad for some of the country's brightest young minds. The quiz has long transcended the classroom, becoming a cultural phenomenon that generates widespread media coverage and inspires secondary school students across the country.

PRESEC-Legon's victory underscores the fierce competitiveness of Ghana's elite secondary schools. Both PRESEC and Mfantsipim have established themselves as perennial powerhouses, with their collective legacy accounting for numerous titles over the decades. The reversal of fortunes two years after their last encounter demonstrates how the competition evolves year on year, with no school guaranteed dominance.

For Ghanaian students and educators, the NSMQ serves as tangible proof that excellence in science and mathematics can be celebrated nationally. PRESEC's continued success signals to the younger generation the value of rigorous academic pursuit. Meanwhile, the performances of these premier institutions also reflect the high quality of secondary education available in Ghana when schools invest substantially in their academic programmes.

The Road Ahead

PRESEC-Legon now stands one step closer to capturing their ninth championship crown. With the semi-finals beckoning, the eight-time champions will face fresh challengers in their quest to reclaim the title they last won in 2022. For Mfantsipim, the defeat marks the end of their title defence and concludes their hunt for an unprecedented three-peat in the competition's history.

The 2026 NSMQ continues to produce the high-quality contests that have made it a fixture in Ghana's academic calendar, with each round delivering compelling drama and showcasing the calibre of young talent within Ghana's secondary schools.