Heartbreak struck Kumasi High School (KUHIS) in the closing moments of the second semi-final of the 2025 NSMQ Ashanti Zonal Championship, as a last riddle answer by Osei Tutu SHS denied them a spot in the finals, and handed Kumasi Academy (KUMACA) a qualification as the best runner-up.

KUHIS, the defending champions, were on the brink of overtaking Kumaca’s 37-point tally from the earlier contest and securing a place in the final. But just when they needed one more riddle to seal it, Osei Tutu SHS buzzed in with the correct response, keeping KUHIS at 36 points and effectively ending their title defense.

Kumaca, who had earlier lost narrowly to Our Lady of Grace in the first semi-final, now advance to the zonal final thanks to that last-minute twist.

Joining them is Opoku Ware School (OWASS), who cruised through the semi-final contest with 51 points. KUHIS followed with 36, Osei Tutu SHS earned 31, and KSTS finished with 28.

Our Lady of Grace, the first private school from the Ashanti Region to ever qualify for a zonal final, had earlier pulled off a stunning comeback in their semi-final. They came from behind to win with 39 points, beating Kumaca (37), Prempeh College (36), and Kumasi Anglican (27).