What began with withdrawals and whispers of fear ended in a stunning upset, as Kalpohini Senior High School defeated zonal champions Ghana SHS to qualify for the 2025 NSMQ in Tamale.

Kalpohini SHS scored 37 points to win the second contest of Day Two of the Northern Regional qualifiers, narrowly edging out Ghana SHS, who managed 35 points. Savelugu SHS followed with 30 points.

The result marks a historic exit for Ghana SHS, who will miss the NSMQ national championship for the first time in the school’s history.

The contest had already seen its fair share of drama even before it began. Pong-Tamale SHS, originally scheduled to compete, withdrew reportedly over fears of facing Ghana SHS. Their place was handed to Tamale Girls’ SHS, but they too pulled out for the same reason.

That unexpected double withdrawal opened the door for Kalpohini SHS, which had scored 30 points in a previous contest but failed to qualify. Given a second chance, Kalpohini returned with purpose and turned the contest on its head.

The win also marks Kalpohini’s return to the national stage after missing out in the last two editions of the NSMQ. Their performance was as poetic as it was powerful, silencing doubters and toppling the giants.