Hopes of becoming 2021 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) Champions was cut short for Yaa Asantewaa Girls' SHS contestants on Thursday after T.I. AMASS, Kumasi, with a two-point margin, kicked them out.

Speaking to JoyNews' Manuel Koranteng after a well-fought contest, the losing contestants said they put in their best; however, it was not enough to see them carry the day.

They pledged to come back well equipped to give their contenders, particularly T.I. AMASS, Kumasi a run for its money in next year's contest.

"We came with very high expectations that we were going to qualify but we tried. We tried so hard but God knows why he did this to us. So I just want to tell you that our girls were very good.

"Our girls are good and there will be a comeback. There is surely going to be a comeback and we will do well.”

Yaa Asantewaa Girls' SHS got to a great start in its contest against T.I. AMASS, Kumasi, Agona SHTS and Uthmaniya SHS.

The narrative, however, changed after T.I. AMASS, Kumasi took charge from Round Two to Round Four with the all-girls school following closely.

Ashanti Region - End of Contest:

T. I. AMASS, Kumasi: 45pts
Yaa Asantewaa Girls' SHS: 43pts
Agona SHTS: 27pts
Uthmaniya SHS: 17pts

Real AMASS, the girls really showed you some "pepper" though! Congratulations on winning your contest!#NSMQ2021 #RegionalQualifiers #Primetime pic.twitter.com/WRobQyiN7A

— NSMQ Ghana (@NSMQGhana) May 27, 2021

Grabbing the final riddle of the day, T.I. AMASS, with 45 points, secured its slot in the National Championship to commence in October.