It was an Ashanti–Volta showdown in the preliminary stage of the NSMQ 2025 as KNUST Senior High School, Afia Kobi Ampem Girls’ SHS, and Wovenu SHTS battled for a place in the one-eighth stage.

The contest opened on a competitive note, with Afia Kobi Ampem Girls leading in Round One with 22 points, while KNUST and Wovenu both tied at 16 points.

Afia Kobi lodged two protests in the early rounds; both were upheld, briefly resetting the contest tempo.

Despite the strong start from Afia Kobi and the spirited challenge from first-timers Wovenu SHTS, KNUST SHS surged ahead from Round Two onwards and maintained their lead through to the final riddle round.

At the end of five rounds, KNUST SHS finished with 46 points, securing qualification to the one-eighth stage.

Afia Kobi ended with 36, while Wovenu SHTS closed with an impressive 39 points in their debut year, the highest finish by a first-time school in this block.

KNUST SHS now advance in hopes of continuing their run in Cape Coast, while Wovenu’s performance has already earned them praise as a debut side to watch.